Design Families!
Second Senior Parent Circle Up happening this Thursday November 6th from 7-8 pm!
Zoom Link:
Thanksgiving Baskets
Dear DVD Students, Parents, and Guardians,
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we are all grateful for the tremendous work of our school staff – from our teachers to counselors to paraeducators to custodians to front office staff. To show our appreciation, we are organizing Thanksgiving baskets to deliver to our school staff on Friday, November 21st. The idea is that each staff member will receive one basket containing treats and words of appreciation from students and families.
Here is how you can contribute to the baskets of Thanksgiving starting Monday November 3rd:
- Items: If you are interested and able to purchase something to show your appreciation, please consider non-perishable items such as: individually wrapped items (popcorn, gummies, trail mix, chips, hot chocolate, pretzels, candy, cookies), gift cards ($5 to Target, Starbucks, etc.), coffee drinks, sparkling water, tea, and any other non-perishable snacks. We need donated items collected by: Friday, November 14th. All items can be left in a donation box on the first floor front office.
- Words of Appreciation: There is nothing that means more to school staff than words of appreciation or encouragement. Please consider handwriting a note of thanks or typing one digitally here: DVD Staff Appreciation Notes We will be printing these digital messages and including all words of appreciation in the baskets. Handwritten notes can be dropped off by Wednesday November 19th.
Thank you for supporting all the great things DVD does!!
Week 11 Info
Week 11 Designers! We are already into it!
We are excited to celebrate Spirit Week on our campus this week with dress up days, leading up to our annual Halloween costume contest on Friday. Please help remind all students that while costumes are encouraged, students are not allowed to bring prop weapons, full face masks, or excessive gore/blood. All costumes must be school appropriate, and students not in costume must adhere to dress code.
Wednesday: Anything But A BackPack Day
Thursday: Represent Your Favorite Horror Character
Friday: Halloween Costume Contest
One More Advertisement For Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
We’re looking for parents and guardians who want to lend their voice and ideas to help make Da Vinci Design the best it can be! Our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meets throughout the year to provide feedback, share perspectives, and partner with our school team on initiatives that support all students.
If you’re interested in joining or learning more, please reach out to Samantha Navarro, DVD Principal, at snavarro@davincischools.org. Your input truly shapes our community!
Here is the bell schedule for Week 11 at Da Vinci Design:
Upcoming Events and Key Dates:
- Wed, Nov. 5th: Coffee w/ Admin @8am and @5pm via Zoom
- Fri, Nov. 7th: Progress Reports Mailed Home
- Mon, Nov. 10th: Community Learning Day #2
- Tues, Nov. 11: NO SCHOOL – Veteran’s Day Holiday
- Thurs, Nov. 20th: Boat Races
- Thurs, Nov. 20th: DVD Exhibition Night
Have a great rest of the week, Designers!!!
LifeLaunch In-Person Info Session October 23rd! | Sesión Informativa Presencial de LifeLaunch — ¡23 de octubre!
Dear Families,
We invite you to join us for the upcoming LifeLaunch Information Session on Thursday, October 23rd from 6:00–7:00 PM at the Black Box Theater (201 N Douglas St, El Segundo, CA 90245).
LifeLaunch offers graduating seniors the opportunity to continue their education tuition-free, choosing between two exciting post-high school pathways:
- College Pathway with Rivet School: Students can earn college credit, an Associate’s Degree (AA), or even a Bachelor’s Degree (BA) while receiving personalized academic and career support.
- Career Pathways (Healthcare or Aviation): Students can gain industry-recognized certifications/licenses and hands-on experience that prepare them for in-demand, high-growth careers — all at no cost.
LifeLaunch provides hybrid learning options, personalized guidance, and career coaching, helping students take their next step with confidence — whether their goal is to enter the workforce or continue their college journey.
We encourage all seniors and their families to attend this important session to learn more about how LifeLaunch supports students in building a strong and affordable foundation for their future.
For questions, please contact Ebony Bobadilla at ebobadilla@davincischools.org.
Warm regards,
The LifeLaunch Team
Estimadas familias,
Les invitamos a asistir a la Sesión Informativa de LifeLaunch el jueves 23 de octubre de 6:00 a 7:00 p.m. en el Black Box Theater (201 N Douglas St, El Segundo, CA 90245).
LifeLaunch ofrece a los estudiantes que se gradúan la oportunidad de continuar su educación sin costo alguno, eligiendo entre dos caminos emocionantes después de la preparatoria:
- Camino Universitario (Rivet School): Los estudiantes pueden obtener créditos universitarios, un título de asociado (AA) o incluso una licenciatura (BA), con apoyo académico y profesional personalizado.
- Caminos Profesionales (Salud o Aviación): Los estudiantes pueden obtener certificaciones reconocidas por la industria y experiencia práctica que los preparan para carreras con alta demanda — todo sin costo alguno.
LifeLaunch ofrece opciones de aprendizaje hibrido, orientación personalizada y asesoramiento profesional, ayudando a los estudiantes a dar el siguiente paso con confianza, ya sea que deseen ingresar al mundo laboral o continuar su formación universitaria.
Animamos a todos los estudiantes del último año y a sus familias a asistir a esta importante sesión para conocer cómo LifeLaunch puede ayudarles a construir un futuro sólido y accesible.
Si tiene preguntas, puede comunicarse con Ebony Bobadilla al ebobadilla@davincischools.org.
Atentamente,
El equipo de LifeLaunch
Attention 9th Grade Families!
All 9th Grade Parents/Guardians we welcome and encouraged to attend!
We hope to see you Thursday on Zoom!
Questions? Please reach out to Nicole Tafoya ntafoya@davincischools.org
Week 10 Heading Our Way at DVD
Design Family, Welcome to Week 10! We have a lot happening!
Before we get to Week 10, we need to share some pictures from Senior Sunrise 2025!
Senior Sunrise 2025!
Seniors got up early to spend some time together and see the sun come up! More memories to add to your year, Class of 2025!
SAT/PSAT School Day: The DVD SAT/PSAT School Day is on Thursday, October 23rd! All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered. It is crucial that students arrive at school on time. Per College Board rules, students will not be able to participate if testing has already begun. Questions should be directed to Mrs. Pailin, DVD Assistant Principal (kpailin@davincischools.org).
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- 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
- 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
- 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
- 12th Grade: SAT (opt-in registration deadline has passed)
Da Vinci School Surveys via KELVIN
We invite you to take a few moments to complete the Da Vinci Schools Family Survey. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the learning environment at your child’s school and across our entire organization.
The KELVIN survey will be sent via email on Monday October 20th.
Your honest input helps us celebrate what’s working and identify areas where we can improve.
Thank you for being a valued part of the Da Vinci community!
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
We’re looking for parents and guardians who want to lend their voice and ideas to help make Da Vinci Design the best it can be! Our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meets throughout the year to provide feedback, share perspectives, and partner with our school team on initiatives that support all students.
If you’re interested in joining or learning more, please reach out to Samantha Navarro, DVD Principal, at snavarro@davincischools.org. Your input truly shapes our community — together, we can continue to strengthen the Da Vinci experience for every student.
Gatsby Gala Fall Dance
Prices Go Up Monday!
Our Fall Dance — the Gatsby Gala — is coming up soon on Friday, October 24th!
Tickets are on sale now, but prices increase on Monday (10/20), so be sure to grab your tickets early!
Tickets are on sale now, but prices increase on Monday (10/20), so be sure to grab your tickets early!
Purchase Tickets Here: MySchoolBucks Link
Event Details
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: West Plaza, 201 N Douglas St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: West Plaza, 201 N Douglas St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Ticket Prices
- Early Bird: $25 through Sunday, 10/19
- General Admission: $30 from 10/20–10/24
Additional Info
- Semi-formal attire encouraged
- Water will be provided
- Food trucks will be available, but students are encouraged to bring money for food
The Fall Dance is one of Da Vinci’s biggest fundraisers of the year, helping to offset the costs of end-of-year senior activities. Thank you for supporting our students and making this event a success!
Spooktacular: We are now mobilizing volunteers for Spooktacular on Oct. 24. In addition, Spooktacular is seeking volunteers on Oct. 25 for clean up and support.
This year’s Spooktacular will feature an expanded haunted house on both Oct 24 & 25, geared toward middle school students.
Direct sign-up link:
Announcement slide (includes link):
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eu0IPXKeMv1NUA0UX77mg4jSFdsy5bqT4RSayeLZTI0/edit?usp=sharing
WMS is seeking 200+ volunteers to make this event a success.
Schedule for Week 10
Week 8 Highlights & Week 9 Preview
Design Families!
Next week is SLC week at Da Vinci Design October 13th-16th, and we are excited to have you on campus with us! SLCs are an important time when parents and teachers come together for a meeting led by the student. It is a time to highlight a student’s strengths and hard work, to encourage students to set new goals, and to ask guiding questions so students can take ownership of their learning. Every student is expected to participate in leading an SLC with a parent/guardian present this semester. SLCs will happen in-person. See below for SLC schedules and details presented by each grade level teaching team.
Reminders for families arriving for SLCs:
- Families can find parking anywhere in the lot north of 201 N. Douglas St.
- Please check-in on the 1st floor upon arriving to get a name tag and find which classroom to report to
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time to check-in
Student Led Conferences (SLCs): Grade Level Resources
9th Grade Team Resource:Grade 9 SLC Overview Fall 2025
10th Grade Team Resource: Grade 10 SLC Overview Fall 25
11th Grade Team Resource:Grade 11 SLC Overview Fall 25
12th Grade Team Resource: Grade 12 SLC Overview Fall 25
Multicultural Food Fest Friday and Feeling Well Friday
It was wonderful celebrating both our Multicultural Food Fest Friday and Feeling Well Friday with the seniors today! It was a joyful time to embrace senior life, share meaningful dishes, and simply enjoy time together. Shoutout to Mr. Myles for organizing the Food Fest and the 12 grade teachers for pitching in!!
Week 9 Schedule
Upcoming Dates:
October 13th-16th: Student Led Conferences
October 16th: Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill
October 23rd: PSAT/SAT Test Day
October 24th: PD Day (No Students)
October 24th: Fall Dance 6pm-9pm, Doors Open at 5:30pm; Pre-Order QR Code on Da Vinci’s Social Media
Designers! Thank you for a great week! On to the next!
Student Led Conferences Next Week October 13th-16th!
Design Families!
Next week is SLC week at Da Vinci Design October 13th-16th, and we are excited to have you on campus with us! SLCs are an important time when parents and teachers come together for a meeting led by the student. It is a time to highlight a student’s strengths and hard work, to encourage students to set new goals, and to ask guiding questions so students can take ownership of their learning. Every student is expected to participate in leading an SLC with a parent/guardian present this semester. SLCs will happen in-person. See below for SLC schedules and details presented by each grade level teaching team.
Reminders for families arriving for SLCs:
- Families can find parking anywhere in the lot north of 201 N. Douglas St.
- Please check-in on the 1st floor upon arriving to get a name tag and find which classroom to report to
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time to check-in
Student Led Conferences (SLCs): Grade Level Resources
9th Grade Team Resource:Grade 9 SLC Overview Fall 2025
10th Grade Team Resource: Grade 10 SLC Overview Fall 25
11th Grade Team Resource:Grade 11 SLC Overview Fall 25
12th Grade Team Resource: Grade 12 SLC Overview Fall 25
Please use the above resources to look at the sign up information. We are excited to see you next week!
Week 7 Wrap Up Along with SLC and Week 8 Preview
Dear Da Vinci Design Families,
We wrapped up another exciting week at DVD!
LSU Spirit Week & Community Dialogue
Our LSU Spirit Week and Community Dialogue were a huge success—thank you to everyone who joined in building school pride and student participation.
Coffee with Admin
We loved connecting with families at Coffee with Admin this week. It was such a great turnout, and we’re looking forward to seeing you again at our next Coffee on Wednesday, November 5th.
Upcoming: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
Beginning the week of October 13th, we will be hosting our Fall Student-Led Conferences (SLCs). We are excited to welcome families on campus for these important conversations.
SLCs are a powerful opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, highlight their strengths, set goals, and take ownership of their growth. Each student is expected to lead an SLC with a parent/guardian present this semester. All conferences will take place in person.
Please see the Parent SLC Letter SLC Parent Letter.docx
Thank you, as always, for your partnership in supporting our Designers. We can’t wait to see you on campus during SLC week October 13th-16th
Week 8 Bell Schedule:
Senior Parent Circle Up Tonight! October 2nd 7pm-8pm VIA Zoom
Attention DVD Senior Parents!
Da Vinci Design and Magdalena Garcia of Circles and Bridges invite you to a Senior Parent Circle Up! Come join fellow DVD senior parents as you navigate this exciting final year! Get the support you need to help your student and yourself to the finish line!
Meeting ID: 825 4219 2828
Passcode: seniors
Passcode: seniors