Dragon Tales
February 23rd, 2024
Principal's Update
This has been another busy, yet exciting week at da Vinci. It was fun watching Advisory classes decorating their classroom doors in honor of Black History Month. This door decorating competition ends next Thursday. Our amazing lead custodian, Terry Martin, will be the lead judge of each classes' door. It has also been exciting to see our BSU working hard to put the final touches on our Black History Month assembly on the 29th. I can't wait to attend my first BHM assembly at da Vinci next week.
I also want to take a moment to thank families who took time to complete this Principal Feedback Survey that the district is using to determine if I should be made the permanent principal of da Vinci. I won't use this as an opportunity to stump for this outcome, but if you have not filled it out yet, I would greatly appreciate if you could take a few minutes to do so.
This week was full of some difficult staffing decisions. As I shared in last week's newsletter, the district-wide funding cuts hit da Vinci as they did all schools in PPS. I have done my best to make sure to preserve the arts at da Vinci as well as the student supports I believe have made a difference in our improved school climate. However, some difficult decisions had to be made and I can easily say this past week has been the hardest of my 9-year administrative career. If additional funding arrives, I know how to use it!
Lastly, I look forward to seeing all those who will be attending tomorrow night's PTSA auction. I love a good excuse to dress up, and apologize now if my 80s jumpsuit is too much! I want to make sure to thank our PTSA, the auction committee and all our amazing sponsors who helped make this event happen.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Mr. Roosevelt
Weekly Updates
Newsies Tickets On Sale Now
We are excited to present the 2024 da Vinci Spring Musical, Newsies Jr! Please join us for this wonderful musical extravaganza on March 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th or 15th, with performances beginning at 7:00pm. The final performance is a matinee on March 16th, beginning at 2:00pm. A $10.00 donation per ticket is suggested.
Family Climate Survey
Our staff climate team would appreciate it if families could take time to fill out this survey to help us learn how best to support you. Please take a minute to fill out the survey, linked below:
Securly: Monitor Your Student's Chromebook Use
All families have access to Securly filtering and the app called Securly Home. This tool is what we recommend to help families set internet filtering rules for their children when using school devices and accounts at home.
As a parent or guardian, you can use Securly to stay on top of your child’s online activity in real-time from anywhere, with the SecurlyHome App.
Securly will also send parents/guardians weekly email reports with a snapshot of their student’s internet activity. This report is a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to open a dialogue with their students about their digital lives. You can find links and more information on this webpage to download the app.
SEED Survey Family Message and Declination Forms
Please take a moment to read through this district communication about the upcoming SEED survey, which we will administer through our social studies classes in March.
The survey is designed to capture students’ sense of belonging and experience at school. It also asks students about their experiences in class, their access to resources, and what they have learned. Survey results are used to create more equitable learning experiences for students and to inform state and local education investment decisions.
PPS Healthy Choices Bulletin
The Healthy Choices Bulletin is a monthly summary of substance use prevention resources for school staff to use and share with students and families. Some of the titles and images are linked to fliers and websites. We encourage families to take a few minutes to read this month’s bulletin to become familiar with resources and support available to our students and families.
Camps, Classes and After School Programs In Our Community
Check out these cool camps, classes and after school programs below. Not all are arts related, but many are.
Portland Metro Fire Camp for Women (Portland Jun. 21-23, Sherwood Jul. 12-14)
City of Portland / Rose City Self-Defense Workshop Series:
Foster / Powell neighborhood, April 10 & 17
Lower Albina neighborhood, Saturdays, March 16, 23, & 30
VIBE of Portland Spring Break Camp (Mar 25-29)
VIBE of Portland East Winds Band Camp (July 22-26)
(Spanish) (Russian)VIBE of Portland Music & Digital Art Classes for Kids
Cognizart 360 Arts Camp (July 8-12, 15-19, & 22-26)
Rec Tennis Maplewood Tennis Afterschool Zone (Jan. 16 - Mar. 5)