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Thursday, October 14
 

8:00am PDT

Registration, Coffee & Breakfast
After checking in at the front office, stop by the conference table at the base of the main staircase to show your negative test or vaccination card and receive your event badge.

Thursday October 14, 2021 8:00am - 8:30am PDT
Da Vinci Schools

8:30am PDT

9:15am PDT

Da Vinci High School Tours - Da Vinci Science, Da Vinci Communications, Da Vinci Design & Da Vinci Connect HS
Join us for student-led tours of Da Vinci High Schools in our new building, along with a debrief with staff members. Students will share their perspectives on some of Da Vinci’s key practices, including our take on PBL, Student-Led Conference, Presentations of Learning, and Career Pathways. Staff will meet with participants afterward to answer questions about our programs, as well as discuss the new building design and how school design intersects with student learning.

Thursday October 14, 2021 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)

11:00am PDT

The RISE Model: Reconnecting Students Through Anytime, Anywhere Learning
In Los Angeles County, there are more than 63,000 homeless students. Another 28,000 of the County’s children are in foster care, and close to 20,000 students in Los Angeles are incarcerated. When the team at Da Vinci Schools recognized the lack of adequate educational, social emotional, and material resources for these students, they knew they had to develop a new approach. Da Vinci RISE High School has been designed with the needs of youth experiencing housing instability, the foster care system and/or the juvenile justice system at the forefront. RISE works to provide an empowering education by partnering with service providers, leveraging student voice, and centering the school experience around youth who are most frequently written out of the larger educational narrative.

Speakers
avatar for Erin Whalen

Erin Whalen

Executive Director, Da Vinci RISE High
Erin Whalen, born and raised in Los Angeles, California serves as Da Vinci RISE High’s Principal/Executive Director.Born into a proud Black, Chicano and Indigenous family, Erin found himself enticed by education’s power to provide people with a sense of self that could be leveraged... Read More →
avatar for Scott James

Scott James

Behavior Interventionist, Da Vinci RISE High
Scott James grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and came to Los Angeles in 2001 to pursue his dreams of playing pro basketball/football. His plan got shifted almost instantly once he arrived in California. The cost of living was too expensive to focus on school, so he had to concentrate on... Read More →


Thursday October 14, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Thursday October 14, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Da Vinci Connect TK-8 Tour & Debrief with Admin
Speakers
avatar for Kaitlin Toon

Kaitlin Toon

Principal, Da Vinci Connect
Kaitlin is a founding teacher and Assistant Principal at Da Vinci Connect, and is now thrilled to serve as Connect’s Principal TK-8. She began her journey into the field of education at Sonoma State University, earning a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Human Development... Read More →
avatar for Tami Christopher

Tami Christopher

Assistant Principal, Da Vinci Connect K8
Tami has been in education for over 17 years.  She began her career in education as a substitute teacher for LAUSD.  After her time as a substitute teacher, she spent 15 years as a History teacher at Palisades Charter High School.  She moved from the classroom to school leadership... Read More →


Thursday October 14, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Da Vinci Connect

1:15pm PDT

Da Vinci RISE Tour: New Earth Site
Speakers
avatar for Erin Whalen

Erin Whalen

Executive Director, Da Vinci RISE High
Erin Whalen, born and raised in Los Angeles, California serves as Da Vinci RISE High’s Principal/Executive Director.Born into a proud Black, Chicano and Indigenous family, Erin found himself enticed by education’s power to provide people with a sense of self that could be leveraged... Read More →


Thursday October 14, 2021 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
New Earth

2:45pm PDT

Intro to Real World Learning
Want to do more real world learning but don't know where to start? This hands-on workshop will help you figure out the highest impact, lowest effort ways to incorporate real world learning at your school/district. 

Speakers
CR

Crissel Rodriguez

Director, Real World Learning, Da Vinci Schools


Thursday October 14, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)

2:45pm PDT

Da Vinci RISE Tour: Richstone Site & "World of Work" Workshop
Speakers
avatar for Naomi Lara

Naomi Lara

Math, Da Vinci RISE High
Naomi Lara was born and raised in Southern California and is proud to be shaped by her diverse experiences growing up in Compton, Lake Los Angeles and Cerritos, CA. Naomi earned her Bachelor’s degree at Cal State Long Beach and her Teaching Credential at Cal State Dominguez Hills.Naomi... Read More →
avatar for Meika Nwaomah

Meika Nwaomah

Science Coach, Portal Schools
Meika Nwaomah, the Science Coach and Culture Lead , is bubbling over with excitement to work with all the wonderful scholars attending Portal Schools. She was born in  Kansas City, Missouri where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Bachelor of Art in Music. She... Read More →


Thursday October 14, 2021 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Richstone

3:30pm PDT

Meet with a DV team member!
Would you and your team like to request a meeting with a DV team member? Use this time slot to request a meeting with a teacher or administrator to ask questions or resource share. To do so, select this workshop option and email your specific request to Megan Martin at mmartin@davincischools.org.

Thursday October 14, 2021 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)

3:45pm PDT

Learn about Da Vinci Extension (College)
Spend time with DVX Program Coordinator, Marc Pioch, to learn about Da Vinci's free college program.

Speakers
avatar for Marc Pioch

Marc Pioch

Program Coordinator, Da Vinci Connect HS & DVX
Marc Pioch serves as Program Coordinator at Da Vinci Connect High School and at Da Vinci Extension.Marc brings 23 years of teaching experience. Marc has taught a multitude of social science courses including World History, US History AP, Government AP, Economics, Geography and Contemporary... Read More →


Thursday October 14, 2021 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)
 
Friday, October 15
 

8:00am PDT

Coffee, Breakfast & Work Space
Friday October 15, 2021 8:00am - 8:30am PDT
4204 (Physics) @ DVD (4th Floor)

8:30am PDT

Join us for a (FUN) Da Vinci High School Staff Meeting!
Spots are limited. Secure yours by responding to the conference session RSVP survey.
  • 8:30-9 am:  Mingle with the Da Vinci team as they have breakfast and connect at the start of their professional development day
  • 9:00-9:45 am:  Observe a Da Vinci professional development meeting!  It will be more fun than you might think.

Friday October 15, 2021 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)

9:00am PDT

Real World Learning: Engaging with Industry to Deliver Real World Learning
REAL WORLD LEARNING DESIGN SESSION
Participants will address the design question: how might we create experiences for students to gain exposure, excitement, and experiences related to the modern workplace? Participants will learn about the why, the how, and the what surrounding real world learning, with an end goal of developing at least one real world learning opportunity for your school/district/class to implement this school year.  Resources and examples will be given, culminating in a design thinking session for brainstorming and consensus building.

Resources here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1skEQwCzWPkWMnNHDl4OYMi4NWrij6wCp?usp=sharing 

Speakers
CR

Crissel Rodriguez

Director, Real World Learning, Da Vinci Schools


Friday October 15, 2021 9:00am - 10:20am PDT
2105 (Cha) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

9:00am PDT

Project-Based Learning Deep Dive
In collaboration with other attendees or team members, participants will engage in a project planning protocol that supports effective project-based learning. Participants will plan project themes, standards and essential skills, deliverables, opportunities for student and other critiques, memorable moments and entry events, and real-world expertise feedback.

Workshop slideshow w/ links to resources

Workshop Folder

Speakers
avatar for Rita Bouchard

Rita Bouchard

Core 4 teacher, Da Vinci Connect
Rita Bouchard is a Los Angeles native. She received her BS. in Geology from Cal State Dominguez Hills and was a field geologist for Tyco International for several years before transitioning to teaching. She earned her teaching credential from Cal State University, Los Angeles Charter... Read More →
avatar for Cari Werz Maconochie

Cari Werz Maconochie

Design Fundamentals 1, Da Vinci Design
Cari Maconochie joined Da Vinci Schools in 2014. Originally from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated with a double major with a Bachelors in Art Education and Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also studied and played varsity soccer for a year at Longwood University... Read More →
avatar for Frank Solis

Frank Solis

Government/Economics Teacher, Da Vinci Design
Frank Solis, a proud Angelino, discovered his passion for the social sciences during his undergrad tenure at UCLA. Today, he shares this passion with his students in the classroom through projects that connect students to the real world. Frank teaches 12th grade Government and Economics... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
2206 (Pendergrast) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

10:35am PDT

Holding Space to Talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Wondering how to hold space for your staff to have meaningful conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion?  Looking for resources you can use as a leader to help frame and clarify your own thinking about race, racism, ableism, and equity.  Join Allegra for an interactive workshop where you will engage in a shared reading of an article that has grounded the Da Vinci leadership team’s equity journey, and leave with a list of helpful podcasts, articles, books, and tools you can incorporate into a future pd or meeting with your staff.

Speakers
avatar for Allegra Johnson, Ed.D.

Allegra Johnson, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Educational Services, Da Vinci Schools
Dr. Allegra Johnson serves as Executive Director of Educational Services. She has been supporting special education students and families at Da Vinci since 2011. She is committed to providing students with the individualized supports they need to be successful at school.Allegra earned... Read More →



Friday October 15, 2021 10:35am - 12:00pm PDT
2105 (Cha) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Friday October 15, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Galileo Room (2205) @ Da Vinci Science (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Parents are Our Students First Teachers: How to use a parent newsletter to build parent capacity to support student learning
Join Allegra to learn more about the parent newsletter she sent out to parents of students with IEP when she was the Director of Special Education.  Allegra will share both the path she followed and lesson learned around supporting parents with engaging in the IEP process and helping them reframe their role in the IEP process.  Alongside snapshots of research on parent engagement and student achievement, Allegra will share tips and tools that she used to create a newsletter that positioned parents to better support their child’s unique needs, while also fostering positive interactions between families and our special education staff.





Speakers
avatar for Allegra Johnson, Ed.D.

Allegra Johnson, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Educational Services, Da Vinci Schools
Dr. Allegra Johnson serves as Executive Director of Educational Services. She has been supporting special education students and families at Da Vinci since 2011. She is committed to providing students with the individualized supports they need to be successful at school.Allegra earned... Read More →



Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
2203 (Ichiroku) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Creating School Culture: A Trauma Informed Approach
Workshop resources:  Creating School Culture: A Trauma Informed Approach

Attendees will learn strategies on how to be trauma informed, provide trauma informed care, recognize triggers that lead to negative behaviors, the importance of restorative justice, what culture means, being culturally aware/acceptive, making connections/building relationships, and the implementation/uses of circles in the classroom. Attendees will also learn about the importance of setting the culture/environment to be more student-centered, and the importance of increasing staff/student buy-in. There will be case studies and role plays to maximize learning.

Speakers
avatar for Scott James

Scott James

Behavior Interventionist, Da Vinci RISE High
Scott James grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and came to Los Angeles in 2001 to pursue his dreams of playing pro basketball/football. His plan got shifted almost instantly once he arrived in California. The cost of living was too expensive to focus on school, so he had to concentrate on... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
2105 (Cha) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Personalized Learning Experiences: Curating Aligned Projects that speak to students’ interests
Explore how a school model can be designed with personalization and customized learning at the forefront of daily operations. Learn strategies and best practices for using students’ data to drive a change in academic performance and success!

Speakers
avatar for Meika Nwaomah

Meika Nwaomah

Science Coach, Portal Schools
Meika Nwaomah, the Science Coach and Culture Lead , is bubbling over with excitement to work with all the wonderful scholars attending Portal Schools. She was born in  Kansas City, Missouri where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Bachelor of Art in Music. She... Read More →
avatar for Coach Toni

Coach Toni

Math Educator
Coach Toni is a full time New York City educator who has her bachelor of arts in mathematics and her master of arts in adolescent mathematics education. She is the founder of Coach Toni’s Table, a networking and connections entity and its subsidiary: Play.Math.Grow, a math coaching... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
2106 (Jessi) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Establishing a Wolf Pack: Building Up a Student-Led Peer Mentoring Program
Strength is in the pack,” folks say, and so creating systems of support for students is essential to generating an environment they can thrive in. Empowering students to support each other in school cultural practices and executive functioning skills is a dynamic way to entrust young adults with setting the cultural norms of empathy, accountability, and collaboration within their community.  Join us to learn about DVC’s Peer Mentors program with pointers on how to start up such a student-led organization at your own school.

Speakers
avatar for Donald Puathasnanon

Donald Puathasnanon

Algebra Teacher, DVC Leadership Advisor, Da Vinci Communications
Donald Puathasnanon holds the honors of being the tallest (6’4”) and having the longest last name (12 letters) at Da Vinci Communications. Raised in Granada Hills, he did not travel very far to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from UCLA. He also received a Master... Read More →
avatar for Dani Guerrero

Dani Guerrero

World History, Da Vinci Communications
Dani Stephan Guerrero teaches World History at Da Vinci Communications. She is a HUGE history nerd. Born and raised in the Inland Empire, Dani double majored at Azusa Pacific University and received her B.A. in History and English (Literature Concentration). She then attended California... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
2204 (Ali) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

What are the Real Variables in Today’s Math Class?
There are many more variables than just x in the math class, such as socio-emotional learning, culturally-relevant teaching, and equity for all learners. We will share some strategies (and take some from participants as well) that address these modes thru Project Based Learning, Mastery Based Grading, and Constructivist Learning. We don’t have all the answers but we’ll tackle the big questions together.

Speakers
avatar for Frank Divinagracia

Frank Divinagracia

Math Teacher, Da Vinci Science
Frank Divinagracia, a native of Hawthorne, joined Da Vinci Schools during the inaugural 2009-2010 school year. Prior to Da Vinci, he taught as an Olympian at Leuzinger High School for 13 years, where he served as a teacher, department chair, instructional coach, and mentor. He also... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
2305 (Divinagracia) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Using the Fab Lab to Enhance PBL: Communicate student vision through a professional finished product
Learn how the Da Vinci Design staff members have utilized the Fab Lab in class projects. This space serves as a space where students can use the laser cutter, 3D printer, power tools, spray paint, and pottery wheel thrower. This space provides students with the necessary materials to communicate their vision through a professional finished product.

Speakers
avatar for Cari Werz Maconochie

Cari Werz Maconochie

Design Fundamentals 1, Da Vinci Design
Cari Maconochie joined Da Vinci Schools in 2014. Originally from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated with a double major with a Bachelors in Art Education and Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also studied and played varsity soccer for a year at Longwood University... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
DVD Fab Lab (4th Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Remote Learning: A New Normal
Hear from Katrina Amberry and Rita Bouchard from Da Vinci Connect, Da Vinci Schools' hybrid-homeschool program, on how to design remote learning that is enjoyable and sustainable for kids, teachers, and parents. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to engage students in core subject areas with authentic learning that taps into their interests and passions. Then, with a flexible mindset and a few changes, you can maximize engagement and structure your day for connection, meaningful teaching and learning, and reflection.

Speakers
avatar for Rita Bouchard

Rita Bouchard

Core 4 teacher, Da Vinci Connect
Rita Bouchard is a Los Angeles native. She received her BS. in Geology from Cal State Dominguez Hills and was a field geologist for Tyco International for several years before transitioning to teaching. She earned her teaching credential from Cal State University, Los Angeles Charter... Read More →
avatar for Katrina Amberry

Katrina Amberry

Core 4 teacher, Da Vinci Connect
Katrina Amberry currently works at Da Vinci Connect in Core 4 with 4th and 5th grade students working alongside her teaching partner Rita Bouchard. This will be her 3rd year teaching at Da Vinci Connect. Katrina completed her Bachelor Degree and received her Multiple Subject Teaching... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
2101 (Magana) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

1:00pm PDT

Mastery-Based Grading Deep Dive: The Why and How for a More Equitable and Effective Grading System
In this session you will learn about the paradigm shift from the traditional 100-point grading system to mastery-based grading. You will create essential skills that you wish to assess in your classroom and leveled assessments. Teachers will leave with the first steps they need to start mastery-based grading and administrators will leave with the tools to train their own staff.

Workshop Slideshow

Please take our survey and let us know how we did and how we can improve.
Workshop Survey

Speakers
avatar for Kristina Becht

Kristina Becht

Algebra 1 & 2, Da Vinci Communications
Kristina Becht has been an educator for over 16 years. She has taught in Brooklyn and the Bay Area, specifically Hayward and Oakland. She is a passionate math educator, and she deeply believes that EVERYONE is capable of achieving and succeeding in mathematics.Kristina grew up in... Read More →
avatar for Frank Solis

Frank Solis

Government/Economics Teacher, Da Vinci Design
Frank Solis, a proud Angelino, discovered his passion for the social sciences during his undergrad tenure at UCLA. Today, he shares this passion with his students in the classroom through projects that connect students to the real world. Frank teaches 12th grade Government and Economics... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 1:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
2206 (Pendergrast) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

2:15pm PDT

CrossFit Nerd: Support Growth Mindsets and Fitness through CrossFit
We will introduce our CrossFit program and how it is used to support growth mindset in students. Participants will learn growth mindset basics (using Carol Dweck’s research and resources), along with basic CrossFit movements. You will be taken through a warm-up, work out and cool-down.

Speakers
avatar for Gerard Besina

Gerard Besina

PLTW Human Body Systems & Psychology, Da Vinci Science
Jay Besina has been a member of the all-star staff at Da Vinci Science since 2011 and teaches Psychology and PLTW Human Body Systems. He is also the head coach at Da Vinci’s onsite CrossFit affiliate, CrossFit Nerd. Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i and raised in Oxnard, California, Jay... Read More →
avatar for Aaron Tostado

Aaron Tostado

Engineering & Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Da Vinci Science
As a native of Southern California, Aaron Tostado can’t help but root for the Dodgers and Lakers. However, his hobbies are not limited to sports. Aaron has many interests, ranging from surfing to crafting, making him a true Renaissance man. By day, Aaron is an engineering teacher... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Meet in front of 201 building and look for “Crossfit” group

2:15pm PDT

Creating PBL Rooted in Social Justice
Designing projects that teach the skills and content our students require can be difficult enough. Adding a third requirement can seem daunting! Come join us as we share our struggles, triumphs, and tips on how to incorporate social justice into project based learning.

Speakers
avatar for Janeé Gerard

Janeé Gerard

Chemistry Teacher, Da Vinci Communications
Janeé Gerard is a Chemistry teacher at Da Vinci Communications. She has lived all along the Western U.S., from sunny SoCal to the mountains of Idaho. Janeé finished her undergraduate degree in Chemistry with a minor in Communications while playing soccer at Westmont College in Santa... Read More →
avatar for Megan Flower

Megan Flower

English 10 Teacher, Da Vinci Communications
Megan Flower is thrilled to join Da Vinci Communications as the 10th grade English teacher. Ms. Flower’s hope is always to be an educator whose classroom is filled with meaningful discourse and believes that literature is a wonderful foundation for these conversations.Ms. Flower... Read More →
avatar for Dani Guerrero

Dani Guerrero

World History, Da Vinci Communications
Dani Stephan Guerrero teaches World History at Da Vinci Communications. She is a HUGE history nerd. Born and raised in the Inland Empire, Dani double majored at Azusa Pacific University and received her B.A. in History and English (Literature Concentration). She then attended California... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
2105 (Cha) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

2:15pm PDT

Embracing Distance Learning 8-12 Edition: Establishing the “Choose Your Own Adventure“ virtual experience
Engage in a reflection over how educators within Middle and High School settings adjusted during the global pandemic. Instead of pulling from a deficit mindset regarding learning loss, we will dive into the multiple literacies that were developed during this unprecedented time.

Speakers
avatar for Coach Toni

Coach Toni

Math Educator
Coach Toni is a full time New York City educator who has her bachelor of arts in mathematics and her master of arts in adolescent mathematics education. She is the founder of Coach Toni’s Table, a networking and connections entity and its subsidiary: Play.Math.Grow, a math coaching... Read More →
avatar for Meika Nwaomah

Meika Nwaomah

Science Coach, Portal Schools
Meika Nwaomah, the Science Coach and Culture Lead , is bubbling over with excitement to work with all the wonderful scholars attending Portal Schools. She was born in  Kansas City, Missouri where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Bachelor of Art in Music. She... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
2106 (Jessi) @ DVS (2nd Floor)

2:15pm PDT

Da Vinci Extension (DVX) & Da Vinci Connect High School 101: Creating and Implementing a New Early College Model
See how schools are moving past just getting students into college and are beginning to explore how to get students through college and successfully into careers. Learn more about the high school-higher education landscape, where DVX fits in it, and why there is a need for innovation. Participants will learn about Da Vinci’s innovative 13th and 14th-year college program, partnering with higher ed institutions, creating cohorts, and supporting programming alongside thoughtful, real-world learning opportunities in authentic internships.

Speakers
avatar for Sylvia Soria

Sylvia Soria

High School Counselor, Da Vinci Connect
Sylvia Soria was born and raised in West Los Angeles. This will be her 6th year counseling at Da Vinci Schools. Sylvia worked as a College and Career Counselor for the Da Vinci Extension college program for 4 1/2 years and is now entering her 2nd year as a High School Counselor for... Read More →
avatar for Marc Pioch

Marc Pioch

Program Coordinator, Da Vinci Connect HS & DVX
Marc Pioch serves as Program Coordinator at Da Vinci Connect High School and at Da Vinci Extension.Marc brings 23 years of teaching experience. Marc has taught a multitude of social science courses including World History, US History AP, Government AP, Economics, Geography and Contemporary... Read More →


Friday October 15, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
2204 (Ali) @ DVS (2nd Floor)
 
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