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Dragon Tales
December 22nd, 2023
Principal's Update
Well, that was an interesting week!
While attendance was a bit lower, the school spirit was stronger than ever. There were so many great outfits this week and this afternoon's Talent Show was great as always. I was so impressed with our students and teachers this week. While the instructional rigor was a bit lighter, there were some amazing projects happening, the creative juices were flowing and our teachers found fun ways to engage their students.
As I reflect on the first four months of this school year, I cannot reiterate how grateful I am for being welcomed into this community. The students, families and staff at da Vinci are amazing. This school truly is a special place.
One of our school goals is to increase the sense of belonging for students, families and staff. While I hope the Successful School Survey (coming out in February) will reflect quantifiable growth from last year to this year, qualitatively I believe we are on the right path. If you have any thoughts on how da Vinci can increase the sense of belonging for either yourself or your students, please do not hesitate to reach out.
While a bit shorter than initially planned, I hope everyone has a wonderful break. Looking forward to seeing your kiddos back in the building on January 2nd!
Sincerely,
Mr. Roosevelt
Weekly Updates
Winter Talent Show
Today we had another amazing talent show. Brent (Ms. Accuardi) started off the show missing their sidekick Trent (Ms. Cook) but with a little help from the crowd a winter miracle occurred and Trent showed up (even while on maternity leave). Ms. Martins and Ms. Accuardi kicked off the show with an awesome singing performance, setting the stage for our outstanding student performances. Mr. Gerolami did a great job filling in a the director of the show. It's always so much fun to see our students perform.
Congresswoman Bonamici Visits da Vinci
Last Monday, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, who represents the First Congressional District of Oregon, came to visit da Vinci. The Congresswoman, who is a big fan of the arts, wanted to visit some classes, talk to our admin team about the state of education in Oregon, and meet with some students.
About 20 students, most Leo Leaders and some from Ms. Connor's Creative Writing class, were able to sit down for a Q & A session with the Congresswoman. Similar to watching our students perform or seeing their art work, I was blown away by the questions our students asked and the manner in which they engaged the Congresswoman.
Always fun to spotlight da Vinci. Go Dragons!
Family-Teacher Conferences
As was shared in last week's newsletter, Family-Teacher Conferences have been rescheduled and will now be in January (dates and times listed below).
January 10th and 11th:
- Time = 4-7pm
- Format = Virtual
- Sign Up = Please use this link to sign up for virtual conferences
- Conference Length = 10-minutes
January 24th and 25th:
- Time = 4-7pm
- Format = In Person (teachers will be in their rooms)
- Sign Up = There is no sign up. Just visit the teacher's rooms you'd like to meet with
- Conference Length = 5-minutes
We recognize that the length of conferences on the 24th and 25th will not provide the same amount of time for in depth conversations with your student's teachers, but this is the best way to ensure that as many families as possible have the opportunity for a check in with them.
Improving School Communication Through the Trivory App
We are excited to announce that da Vinci Arts Middle School is now on the Trivory app! This amazing app will allow us to improve daily communication to our students and families. Stay up to date with the daily announcements we read students each morning, our bell schedule, rehearsal schedules, calendar of events, and much more. Download the app through your phone to stay up to date with everything going on at da Vinci!
da Vinci Counselors' Corner
Hello daVinci Families!
Forecasting season is upon us, and High School Counselors from all around the district will be visiting your student in the coming months, here at daVinci.
Right now we have:
- Grant High School visiting January 8th during 5th period
- Cleveland High School visiting January 18th during 2nd period
- Roosevelt High School visiting during the week of January 29th (specific dates and time to come)
What happens during these visits?
High School Counselors will give students a brief summary of the history of their high school, describe activities and clubs that they can join, expectations for the school, what credits they will need to graduate, what their weekly bell schedule will look like, and walk them through their 9th grade forecasting options.
Students will be given the option to complete their forecasting during this session, or at a later time.
Each school has a deadline that forecasting can be completed by, so it's important for your student to make an informed choice on what they would like their electives to look like for 9th grade.
Shannon Foxley and Shelby Kugler will have a Parent High School Information Session on January 10th, so please come join us and ask any questions you may have.
Your Counseling Team,
Shannon Foxley and Shelby Kugler
Books of Clash - Volumes 1 & 2 by Gene Luen Yang
Our Author Visit with Gene Luen Yang was scheduled to take place on November 7th this year. Although we were unable to have him here at a da Vinci assembly due to the strike, we will still be showing students a presentation from the author of these amazing books.
We still have both Volumes 1 & 2 of his The Books of Clash series available for purchase. Copies of the book are signed by the author, which make them even more special.
The books are set in the mobile gaming world of Clash of Clans and Clash Royale and penned by graphic artist Gene Luen Yang.
Winter Dance Showcase Donation
Each year the dance department collects a suggested $10.00 donation for the dance performances to help offset the cost of costuming all of our dancers. With multiple costume pieces per performer, there are hundreds of costume pieces per show.
Please make your donation on SchoolPay under “Winter Dance Costume Donation”. Any additional money your family can donate for the cause would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your support!
Winter Dance Showcase
We are SO EXCITED to present our first dance showcase of the 2023-24 school year! The 2024 da Vinci Winter Dance Showcase will be FRIDAY, JANUARY 19th at 7:00 pm, and classes have already begun working on choreography.
ALL Semester and Year-long dance classes will be showcasing their work in a high quality, professional environment with the help of their teachers and our professional design team. In order to create our highest quality work, it is crucial that all semester and year-long dance families carefully review this packet at this link Winter Dance Showcase. This document includes a calendar of rehearsals and performances. Please do not hesitate to email Sara (smartins@pps.net) with questions.
Locker Locks
We are now out of loaner locks for lockers. Over break, please check with your student to make sure they recall their locker combo (we all forget them without practice). Additionally, we would gladly accept donations of locks if families have any to spare.
Poster Design Contest for Newsies
The Drama Department is looking for your student's original art for the poster and program of our spring musical. Please grab an info sheet from any visual arts teacher or from outside the drama or drama tech rooms for all the info!
Designs are due to Heidi by January 5th.
Fall and Winter Arts Classes Through VIBE of Portland
VIBE of Portland is offering Arts camps and classes. For more information, please check out this flier.