SIGNATURE PRACTICES
At DVIA, how we speak with children is foundational to who we are. We believe in empowering students with tools to state what they see, how they feel, what they need and how to make a request that meets their needs while still respecting others' needs. While this process is certainly not an "easy fix" during times of conflict resolution, we find out students developing as thoughtful, caring, empathetic and emotionally intelligent individuals. We also believe in showing compassion towards oneself, towards adults as well as children, and in assuming good intentions when interacting with others.
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/ COMPASSIONATE
COMMUNICATION
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DVIA students attend school two days per week and may particpate in our Enrichment Program for an additional day. Family-facilitated learning takes place for a minimum of two days per week. At-home work focuses on English Language Arts and math. At school, students learn science, social studies, English and math. All learning goals target the Common Core State Standards.
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/ HOMESCHOOL HYBRID
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/ HABITS OF HEART AND MIND
/ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Da Vinci Schools is an organization that values meaningful and teacher-centered Professional Development opportunities. At DVIA, teachers spend 2 weeks in August, one week in July, and two days at the end of the year developing as professionals. Additionally, every Wednesday morning is spent focusing on instruction, compassionate communication strategies, project-based learning, inclusion and support strategies, and more.
DVIA's Habits of Heart and Mind are based on Art Costa's notion that an "effective, efficacious thinker" has qualities that can make him or her an "expert problem-solver, thoughtful decision-maker and creative thinker." Those habits serve as an "internal compass" that guide us through challenges and conflicts and are the skills and strategies we must practice routinely until they truly become habits.
The DVIA staff have identified the following as our chosen Habits of Heart and Mind:
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Perseverance
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Effective Communication
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Exploration
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Reflection
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Flexibility
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Collaboration
We believe that a wide array of enrichment options should be available to students. Da Vinci Innovation Academy has partnered with Infinite Learning to develop a program that meets students' need for creativity, physical activity, curiosity, and FUN! Classes include dance, musical theater, Lego robotics, Mindcraft engineering, yoga, art, science madness, yarncrafting, Spanish, Mandarin, dice games, chess and more!
/ PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
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While most people like PB&J, PBL (Project-Based Learning) is way more fun and no one is allergic to it! DVIA teachers develop at-school projects focused around science and social studies content and incorporate the staples of good PBL: student voice and choice, authentic audience, a "need to know," driving question, revision and reflection, inquiry, significant content, 21st century skills and Habits of Heart and Mind. Some great PBL info can be found at www.bie.org
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/ ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
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/ 21st CENTURY SKILLS
/ OTHER UNIQUE FEATURES
POLs (Presentations of Learning): Once or twice per year (depending on grade level), students stand before a panel of parents, teachers, peers and community members to present their learning, reflect on their Habits of Heart and Mind and discuss why they are ready for the next grade. Students use evidence of their learning and visual tools to aid their presentation.
Exhibition: Twice per year, students present their projects and learning to a public audience consisting of parents, community members, and industry professionals. Students dress in professional attire and field quesitons about their learning.
SLCs (Student Led Conferences): Twice per year, a meeting is held between the student, parent/guardian and teacher(s) to discuss progress, reflect on habits and create goals. As age appropriate, these meetings become progressively more student-led.
21st Century Skills are the skills and knowledge individuals need in order to be successful in the 21st century. At DVIA, we focus on the following skills:
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Initiative
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Communication
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Critical Thinking
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Problem-Solving
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Use of Technology
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Leadership
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Creativity
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Adaptability & Agility
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Assessing & Analyzing Information
"You can fall in love with a place as with a person" ~Alec Waugh
So many things make Da Vinci Innovation Academy unique, from our fun-loving kiddos, friendly and patient staff, seven lovely chickens, "downhome" campus feel, colorful spaces, super cool play boat, Shelley the tortoise, Gaga Ball arena built by students themselves, Parent Educator Resource Center, student-created garden, curbside drop-off and pick-up service, Imagination Playground, and did I mention the chickens? While all these make us who we are, below are the official SIGNATURE PRACTICES that make DVIA a unique and happening place to be! You may also find this glossary helpful!
