None.

Dr. Jennings and Dr. Johnstone shared that they are happy to see everyone.

Dr. Wunder introduced Executive Director of DV Connect Michelle Rainey and noted the incredible work that DV staff are doing regarding learning Independent Study as it continues to evolve. Mrs. Rainey shared that staff met with auditors to better understand attendance and learning logs. Mrs. Rainey shared her enthusiasm for supporting RISE as her role shifts to supporting all DV schools. 

Dr. Jennings asked about the differences between DV Connect and RISE. Mrs. Rainey shared that Connect's schedule is similar to RISE's, with two in-person days on-site and three off-site. As DV's IS population continues to increase, it is important to continue to do well and stay on top of changing laws. 

Mrs. Montes-Rodriguez inquired about Connect's ADA. Mrs. Rainey shared that Connect K-8's ADA is 97%, and the high school maintains 98-99% ADA. She shared that the high ADA is due to many years of trial and error, learning how to best serve students and the importance of retaining staff to support students.

RISE & El Camino
DV RISE met with Crystle Martin, Dean of Library & Learning Resources and Maricela Sandoval Associate Dean of Library & Learning Resources. The purpose of the meeting was toeEstablish dual enrollment opportunities for RISE students across campuses. 

Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid
Shoot Date is on Thursday, March 28th at APCH. Press Release will go out on February 13th. A script of questions sent to all board members for review, and Russlynn Ali is serving as industry expert to speak about RISE. 

Golden State Pathways Program
The purpose of the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) is to provide local educational agencies (LEAs) with the resources to promote pathways in high-wage, high-skill, high-growth areas. Planning Grant awards up to $200,000 per application for new career pathways over 1 year. Implementation is up to $500,000 over 3 years.

Youth Peer-to-Peer Support Program
The Youth Peer-to-Peer Support Program is an innovative collaboration between the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and The Children’s Partnership (TCP), to initiate peer-to-peer support programs in up to eight high schools across diverse Californian communities. This pilot initiative focuses on grades 9-12, aiming to establish and standardize best practices for peer-to-peer mental and behavioral health support systems within the school environment. The grant is $450k to $1.5mm over 3 years.

Lunch w/ Superintendent Duardo was successful. The team discussed the RISE model, inequitable funding, and future possibilities. Dr. Duardo will be visiting Richstone, and making 
connections to probation camps to support transition to school, as well as with Hazel Health and other community resources.

Principal Lara reviewed the 2023-24 RISE priorities: instruction, DV signature practices, and restorative practices. 

February Data and Demographics Update

In February, RISE served 190 students, 46% of whom are opportunity youth. LP6 ADA 1/16/24 - 1/26/24was52.78%at Richstone, 61.51%at APCH, and 48.78%at New Earth. Schoolwide ADA is 55.36%.

Attendance System Rollout Updates

RISE closed the first learning period under the new system and saw a 6% increase in ADA. Each student learning log was reviewed, and staff were provided feedback. The team discussed ADA alignment, and the RISE Daily Attendance Check-in Survey was launched. 

Strength of a RISE Rose: PBL, Academic & RWL Updates

PBL Passion Project Updates: A student is working on creating a model of the brain that lights up in different parts when played music. Two students are working together on a podcast series that will focus on firsthand experiences with therapy and music. A student has begun sketches on a blueprint for her pet cafe business model.

Academic Updates: A new student said that this is the first school she has ever felt like doing work in. She is excited to come to school and has been completing all her work in her first two weeks here. A student has been in and out of school and rehab for months, but started her latest enrollment at our APCH site by embracing people and experiences, and allowing herself to be embraced by the community in a new and grace-filled way. She also joined School Site Council.

RWL Updates: Two students successfully started dual-enrollment courses at El Camino this semester. A student who has been doing a lot of career prep got a job at his group home. Three students at APCH are going through a rigorous Shaheen Scholarship application process.

RISE Revolutionary Team Members

Two alumni now support RISE as staff members: Kiki Williams is our Attendance and Re-engagement Clerk, and Katherine Colon is the Paraeducator at New Earth. 

WASC Updates & Celebration

The ACS WASC Commissioners have determined Da Vinci RISE High School meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation. It is the decision of the Commission to grant six-year accreditation status through June 30, 2030, with a mid-cycle visit during the 2026-2027 school year. This accreditation status is based on all of the information provided by the school, including the school's report and the satisfactory completion of the accreditation visit. Special shout-out to our WASC Coordinator Larry Simonsen and the ENTIRE RISE Community.

RISE LCAP Review - Reviewing Actions, Services, & Midyear Data

Goal 1: 100% of students have access to the academic materials, instruction, interventions, and facilities. 100% of staff have completed their mid-year self-evals, 50% of staff Strongly Agree, Agree, or were Neutral to the question: "Leaders ensure time for reflection, generation, interpretation, and dissemination." As of Quarter 2, 1457.3 credits were earned by 213 students. 30% of students showed improvement in the # of earned credits over the course of Q1-Q2. January 2023 facilities inspection overall rating of 'Exemplary'

Goal 2: Metric data on STAC team meetings/conferences and Spring 2024 CORE parent surveys is still being collected. On the 2023 CA Dashboard, 2% of students were suspended at least once, with an increase of 2% from the previous year for an Orange color rating overall. On the 2023 CA Dashboard, 2.2% of SED students were suspended at least once, an increase of 2.2% for an Orange color rating for SED students. 2.9% of English Learners were suspended at least once, an increase of 2.9% for an Orange color rating for EL students.

Goal 3: On the 2023 CA School Dashboard, RISE students scored 198.8 points below standard in ELA, an increase of 64 points from the year before, for an Orange overall dashboard rating. On the 2023 CA School Dashboard, our 69 SED students at RISE scored 202.6 points below standard in English, an increase of 62 points from the year before for an Orange overall dashboard rating. Our 16 EL students at RISE scored 241.3 points below average, an increase of 57.5 from the year before. RISE only had sixteen 11th-grade EL students in 2023; no color rating for EL students was given because there were fewer than 30 students in the subgroup. On the 2023 CA School Dashboard, 23.1% of RISE EL students made progress towards English Language Proficiency, a decrease of 8.5%. No color rating for EL students was given because there were fewer than 30 students in the subgroup.

Goal 4: Da Vinci RISE will promote the achievement of all students in Mathematics. On the 2023 CA School Dashboard, RISE students scored 267.3 points above standard in Math, an increase of 20.4 points from the year before, for an Orange overall dashboard rating. On the 2023 CA School Dashboard, our 69 SED students at RISE scored 270.1 points below standard in Math, an increase of 20 points from the year before for an Orange overall dashboard rating. Our 16 EL students at RISE scored 299.3 points below average, maintaining a 2.6-point loss from the year before. RISE only had sixteen 11th-grade EL students in 2023; no color rating for EL students was given because there were fewer than 30 students in the subgroup.

Goal 5: Class of 2023 CA School Dashboard DASS Graduation Rate has not yet been published. In 2023-24, 34 students have withdrawn prior to the end of Q2. 50% (17/34) of the students were reported as dropouts or unaccounted for. On the 2023 CA School Dashboard, 2.2% of RISE students were rated by the state as Prepared for a Very Low Dashboard rating. No CCI ratings were reported on the 2022 dashboard, so change and color ratings for this metric will not be reported until the 2024 dashboard. 30% of students showed improvement in the number of earned credits over the course of Q1-Q2.

Differentiated Assistance Support

DV RISE is engaging in Differentiated Assistance Support in collaboration with Kern County Superintendent of Schools to leverage the expertise and resources available through Kern County Superintendent of Schools for tailored support. The focus is on CA dashboard data and the low metrics for the past two years for graduation rates for low SES students. 

Mr. Amato shared information on the financial piece on the midyear LCAP. Part of the midyear update details how much money is spent throughout half the year. Currently, RISE is on track to spend budgeted money on each goal by the end of the year. 

Mr. Amato reviewed the January financials. He displayed the balance sheet, noting the two bank accounts, Wells Fargo and Banc of California. Cash in Banc of California and cash in bank earns interest and is fully insured. RISE is projected to earn $20-25k in interest this year. Accounts receivable show a balance of $356k, but $186k was collected in February, the normal recurring Federal and State funding. In liabilities, deferred revenue reflects money collected from grants and other sources of funds that will be used this year and next year. Net assets reflect reserves from the prior year and the current year's increase/decrease in our current year-to-date amount. RISE is currently break-even through January. 

Mr. Amato reviewed the P&L actuals versus the first interim budget. Currently, there is a gap in funding in the local revenue line. This is due to not being able to secure the original grant funding needed initially in the budget to break even. Expenses are generally on track. RISE is facing a shortfall for the whole year of closer to $340,000 due to missing the targeted grant funding and lower ADA than what was projected at the start of the year. Mr. Amato noted that there are no financial concerns for this year due to reserve. 

Mr. Amato shared information on the Prop 28 Arts funding received from the State. The funding is a new source meant to support the arts, including music, theater, and other programs under that definition. It is meant to start, grow, and expand art programs. 100% of the funding can be used towards anything new related to staff for arts and music instruction, training supplies, materials, educational partnership programs, consultants, seminar expenses, etc. RISE has hired consultants who have been teaching different seminars in this area of arts and purchasing some equipment, materials, and supplies related to those seminars. 

Mr. Amato reviewed the 2022-23 tax returns ending on June 20, 2023. The audit and tax returns are complete. There are no items of note or change from the prior year. Mr. Amato thanked Gary Whelan for his support in preparing the return pro bono.  

Mr. Bravo shared that everything is going well with the vans and thanked Security and Transportation Officer, Wendole Danfey, for transporting students safety to the performing arts practices.