September is Suicide Prevention Month. In an effort to be more proactive in supporting students’ mental health, a wellness screener will be given on September 22nd to all students during advisory at Da Vinci Design HS to identify students who may need support. Results from the screener will be used by the counselors to offer students interventions such as coping skills groups, counselor check ins, and referrals for therapy.
Scores will not be shared with students or parents/guardians. Parent/guardian consent is required if a student is referred to receive counseling services delivered by Antioch or Pepperdine therapists. If you would like your student to OPT-OUT and NOT PARTICIPATE in the screener, please fill out the form by Monday, September 15th.
We’ve had another fantastic week here at Da Vinci Design, full of learning, energy, and school pride!
Grade Level Meetings This week, students came together in grade-level meetings to reflect on what it means to be a Designer and how we carry ourselves on campus and in the community. We look forward to seeing the commitment the students have in building a positive, respectful culture at DVD. Designers! Let’s make this happen everyday! Each student matters!
Cell Phone Policy Our cell phone policy is continuing to go strong! We are so proud of our students for staying focused, present, and engaged in their learning. Thank you to our staff and families for supporting this important effort—it’s already making a big difference in classrooms.
Seminar Selections Students also had the chance to choose their Seminars this week. From sports and fitness to crochet, music appreciation, and academic support, there’s something for everyone! Seminars officially begin soon, and we’re excited to see students dive into their interests.
Picture Day Picture Day was a success—thank you to everyone for their cooperation and those big Designer smiles! These photos will become lasting memories in our yearbook and student IDs.
Schedule for next week, Designers!
Looking Ahead: MAP Testing & Coffee with Administration Next week, students will begin MAP Testing, an important benchmark that helps us track growth and provide tailored support. Please encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and bring their best focus and effort to the test.
Families are also invited to join us for Coffee with Administration on Wednesday, September 3rd at 8:00am and 5:00pm via Zoom. This is a great opportunity to connect, hear updates, and ask questions as we start the year together.
What an incredible first week back at Da Vinci Design! The energy on campus has been nothing short of inspiring—hallways filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of reconnecting with friends after the summer.
From the very first day, our students have shown that they are serious about starting the year off right. We’ve been so impressed by the way they’ve embraced our cell phone policy, staying present in class, engaged in lessons, and focused on building strong connections with their peers and teachers. The level of attention and care students are bringing into their classrooms sets a powerful tone for the months ahead.
Families we thank you for the support with our Cell Phone Policy! Here is a brief version of what is happening at Design with the Cell Phone Policy:
Off and Away Helps Me Focus Today!
Personal devices (cell phones, headphones/earbuds, ipads, etc.) should be powered off or placed in “Do Not Disturb” mode, and put in teacher designated area in classroom during instructional time. No phones allowed at all times in bathrooms.
If a student uses a device out of accordance to DVD policy, staff will:
Confiscate the device until the end of class.
Confiscate the device and turn it over to the office/administration.
Contact parent/guardian for notification (and/or pickup of device).
Prohibit the possession of personal (and/or school) devices on campus.
Whether it’s through Advisory activities, hands-on projects, or simply the excitement of seeing their friends and teachers again, the sense of community has been evident all week long. The positive energy on campus is a reminder of what makes Da Vinci Design so special—our students’ commitment to learning, collaboration, and supporting one another.
We are so proud of this amazing start and look forward to keeping the momentum going as we dive deeper into the year!
Here is what is coming up the Week of August 25th:
Get those smiles ready—Picture Day is happening next week on Monday, August 25th and Tuesday, August 26th during students’ English classes.
Picture Day is more than just a tradition; it’s a chance to capture memories, showcase those back-to-school fits, and officially mark the start of our 2025–26 school year at Da Vinci Design. These photos will be used for student IDs and the School Yearbook.
Next week, students have the opportunity to select their Seminar classes. Seminars take place at the end of the school day and give students the chance to explore areas of interest—whether that’s a sports/fitness seminar, a creative skill-building class like crochet or music appreciation, or an academic support seminar designed for extra help and tutoring. Seminar Enrollment will officially begin on Wednesday August 27th for Seniors and Juniors and continue Thursday August 28th for Sophomores and Freshmen.
Here is the Bell Schedule for next week:
Key Dates and Upcoming Events:
Mon, Aug. 25th & Tues, Aug. 26th: Picture Day (during English classes)
Wed, Aug 27th: 12th & 11th graders sign-up for seminars
Thurs, Aug. 28th: 10th & 9th graders sign-up for seminars
Mon, Sept. 1st: NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Wed, Sept. 3rd: Coffee w/ Admin @8am and @5pm via Zoom
Wed, Sept. 3rd and Thurs Sept. 4th: MAPS Testing
Wed, Sept. 10th: 9th graders leave for Overnighter @ 8:40am
Da Vinci Schools is partnering with El Camino College to offer three dual enrollment courses in the Fall 2025 term. All three courses are online and asynchronous.
El Camino’s fall term classes begin on August 25, 2025. Students who have never completed the El Camino College application should complete and submit it prior to August 22.
Da Vinci will be holding application “office hours” for students needing assistance with completing their application in the RWL Center computer lab (1st floor) on Tuesday 8/19 from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Students should know their SSN# (if they have one) and whether or not their family is considered a military family when they apply.
To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, students need to be in grades 10-12 and be in good academic standing. Space is limited. Spaces will fill up on a first come first serve basis.
*All application materials must be submitted by August 22nd @ 4:00pm.
If you are interested in signing up for dual enrollment options, please email Miss Pam for more information at pbaker@davincischools.org
Please click the photo below for course information:
Greetings Designers and Design Families! It’s about that time!
We hope you’re soaking up the last few days of a fun, safe, and restful summer! The countdown is almost over—our new school year begins on Monday, August 18, 2025, and we can’t wait to see our students back on campus. Our amazing staff has been hard at work preparing classrooms, planning engaging lessons, and creating a welcoming space for every student. It’s going to be a fantastic year, and we’re so excited to begin it together!
Important info including the 2025-2026 Student and Family Handbook and New Family Information can also be found in the “Resources” section (to the right via computer, or at the very end of this webpage via mobile phone). You can also find highlights of important upcoming dates below.
Welcome back Designers! We look forward to making this year the best one yet!
Sincerely, Team DVD
***
First Day of School Info: Monday, August 18th
On Monday, August 18th, students will head to the field first, then be welcomed into the Black Box theater. Students walk through a tunnel of cheering teachers to the black box, where the whole school gathers before meeting in small groups within the classrooms. All students will begin the day in Advisory, and will receive their class schedules in Advisory. PowerSchool access is temporarily locked while we upload student schedules – but will be accessible on the first day of school. If a student believes there is an error in their school schedule, students should go to the front office during passing period after Advisory.
Remember: traffic during the first two weeks of school is busier than usual; we recommend you arrive in the parking lot at least 15 minutes before your school start time to ensure your child makes it on time. See parking lot reminders below.
Note: DVD is focused on creating comfortable, enjoyable experiences for our neurodiverse population by priming, posting, and providing. Students can expect loud volume and large crowds. Earplugs will be available near the student check-in at the bike racks. For an alternate entry or other support, please contact Asst. Principal Korina Pailin (kpailin@davincischools.org) by Sunday, 8/17.
This is the DVD Week One Bell Schedule:
For the 2025-2026 school year, the start time for Da Vinci Design will remain the same at 8:40am Monday-Thursday and the traditional “late start” for Friday is 9:45am. The end time for the school day is 3:45pm each day.
Key Dates and Upcoming Events:
Mon, Aug. 18th: First Day of School!
Mon, Aug. 25th & Tues, Aug. 26th: Picture Day (during English classes
Wed, Aug 27th: 12th & 11th graders sign-up for seminars
Thurs, Aug. 28th: 10th & 9th graders sign-up for seminars
Mon, Sept. 1st: NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Week of Tues, Sept. 2nd: Seminar (P8) Begins
Wed, Sept. 3rd: Coffee w/ Admin @8am and @5pm via Zoom
Wed, Sept. 10th: 9th graders leave for Overnighter @ 8:40am
Fri, Sept. 12th: No School – Professional Development Day
Thurs, Sept. 18th: Back to School Night @ 5:30pm
Fri, Sept. 19th: DV Club & Service Learning Fair
Parking Lot Details and Reminders
Please drive safely and patiently in the parking lot; this means entering and exiting through the properly marked areas, dropping students off only in marked areas, and following the directions of our grounds supervision crew
Drop off areas are located 1) at 201 N. Douglas AND at 2) [East] Grand Avenue. Do NOT stop in traffic to drop off students across the street or anywhere along Duley Road.
Remind your students to please stay on the designated pedestrian pathways in order to help maintain their safety as they enter the school campus.
Remember: you don’t have to wait to get to the front of line of the drop off area to have your students exit the vehicle. They should exit as soon as the vehicle has come to a safe, complete stop. This will help to make sure the drop off area is used as efficiently as possible.
Students will not be allowed to enter or leave school through the gym or the pool deck at any time.
Join young leaders from more than 30 organizations across the South Bay to connect, collaborate and uplift our voices together at our annual South Bay Leadership & Wellness Conference. This event will include conversations about advocacy, mental health, wellness and important topics facing our generation today.
You’ll also have the opportunity to share these priorities with local, state and federal leaders who will join us to kick off the event.
Picture this: young people sharing their concerns, their priorities and the ways we want to care for and support one another towards a healthier future. Through workshops and engaging wellness activities, the Conference is an opportunity to develop and expand your leadership skills and gain innovative tools to engage your peers in conversations that matter to them.
For young people ages 12-25. Free food and prizes are included! Plus, get community service hours.
Please RSVP by Sunday May 18, 2025. Please see attached flyer.
Did you know Da Vinci is launching a new adult program in Fall 2025, called LifeLaunch, designed for graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in Healthcare or Aviation?
Students will gain valuable skills, certifications and licenses, earn college credits through El Camino College, and receive personalized career planning and coaching — all while staying connected to their community at Da Vinci Schools, at no cost to students and families.
