Da Vinci Design

Hey Design Family!

We are chatting at 5pm today! Come hear updates regarding DVD! See you at 5pm!

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75310191280?pwd=w6YfXlamCGpZakESenVysv6Wxyx0mb.1

Hello DVD Senior families,

As you prepare for the college application process, many of you will apply for financial aid.  One of those funding options is our State Grant, called the Cal Grant.  The Cal Grant is funding for college that students do not pay back. The Cal Grant can be used at any University of California (UC), California State University (CSU) or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent (private) and career colleges or technical schools in California.

To qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2, 2027 and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements.  Eligibility is based on the FAFSA or CADAA responses, your verified high school Cal Grant GPA, the type of California Colleges you list on your FAFSA or CADAA and whether you’re a recent high school graduate. To learn more about the qualifications, you may learn more about the Cal Grant here. 

Da Vinci Design High School is required to submit student’s verified GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). By law families can “opt out” of this process if you do not want DVD to submit your student’s verified GPA. If you choose to “opt out”, this means your student will not be eligible to receive a Cal Grant. In order to “opt-out”, please complete the attached form and return to your students counselor via email no later than September 18, 2026.

If you do not return the “opt-out” form, Da Vinci Design will submit your student’s verified GPA to the CSAC to determine your student’s Cal Grant eligibility.

To obtain an opt-out form click on this link for the Cal Grant Opt Out Form, which is also available in Spanish. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your/your students counselor.

Pam Baker: Last Names A-GL              pbaker@davincischools.org

Nicole Tafoya: Last Names Go-O          ntafoya@davincischools.org

Omar Sanchez: Last Names P-Z          osanchez@davincischools.org

What a way to wrap up Week 3, Designers!

This week was highlighted by one of our favorite DVD traditions, our 9th Grade Overnighter at Camp Pondo! Our freshmen stepped outside their comfort zones, made new connections, strengthened friendships, and created memories that will be part of their DVD story for years to come.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible staff and student leaders who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make Overnighter such a successful experience. From activities and team building to late nights, lots of laughs, and plenty of unforgettable moments, you helped make our newest Designers feel like they truly belong.

And to our 9th graders, you did it! We hope you came home a little more confident, a little more connected, and a whole lot more excited about the four years ahead of you.

As we continue into September, we’re excited to keep building on the strong start we’ve made together. Every relationship, every experience, and every moment of connection helps us continue to Build What Lasts.

We’ll see you back on campus tomorrow!

Here is the Bell Schedule for this week:

Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

• Wed, Sept. 9th: Chat w/ Admin @5pm via Zoom
• Fri, Sept. 11th: No School – Professional Development Day
• Mon, Sept. 14th: Seminars Start
• Thurs, Sept. 17th: Back to School Night @ 5:30pm
• Mon, Sept. 21st: Career Learning Day
• Fri, Sept. 25th: DVD Club Fair
• Fri, Sept. 25th: Progress Reports Mailed Home

Hey Designers!

Latino College Expo: DVD is excited to participate in the 13th Annual Latino College Expo on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the University of La Verne! Students of all grade levels are welcome to attend, and students do not need to identify as Latino/Latinx to participate. The Expo will feature representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities, including public and private institutions, independent colleges, military programs, and trade schools.

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with college admissions representatives
• Learn about academic programs, career pathways, and college resources
• Attend informative seminars, including “Booming Careers,” “Preparing for College,” “Benefits of Going Away to College,” “411 for Student Athletes,” and more
• Explore opportunities for on-the-spot admission, application fee waivers, and scholarships at participating colleges

Transportation & Lunch
We will depart from DVD promptly at 9:00 a.m. and are expected to return by 2:30 p.m. Students should bring their own lunch or money to purchase food on campus. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students interested in attending should pick up a field trip permission slip from your counselor.

Permission slips are due by Wednesday, September 9 at 3:30 p.m.

Another great week is in the books at Da Vinci Design, and we’re continuing to build momentum as we move through the start of the school year!

This past week, our students completed MAP Growth Testing in English and Math while continuing to settle into their classes and establish routines for a successful year. Thank you, Designers, for your focus, effort, and commitment to doing your best. The information from MAP helps us better understand your growth and allows us to continue supporting your learning throughout the year.

We also want to thank our students for their attentiveness and engagement during last week’s grade-level meetings. We appreciate the respect, thoughtful participation, and positive attitude you brought to these important conversations. Your willingness to listen and stay informed helps make our school community stronger.

As we head into Week 3, there’s plenty to be excited about! Our 9th Grade Overnighter is just around the corner, and we can’t wait for our freshmen to experience one of Da Vinci Design’s favorite traditions. A huge thank you also goes to our Overnighter Leaders, who have been preparing to welcome and support our newest Designers. Your leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping our freshmen feel connected and successful are truly appreciated.

We’re looking forward to another week filled with learning, collaboration, and new experiences. Every week is another opportunity to strengthen relationships, challenge ourselves, and continue building a community where everyone belongs.

Here’s to an amazing Week 3! Let’s keep Building What Lasts!

Here is the Bell Schedule for Week 3:

Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

• Thurs, Sept. 3rd: 9th graders leave for Overnighter @ 8:40am
• Mon, Sept. 7th: NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
• Wed, Sept. 9th: Chat w/ Admin @5pm via Zoom
• Fri, Sept. 11th: No School – Professional Development Day
• Mon, Sept. 14th: Seminars Start
• Thurs, Sept. 17th: Back to School Night @ 5:30pm
• Mon, Sept. 21st: Career Learning Day
• Fri, Sept. 25th: DVD Club Fair
• Fri, Sept. 25th: Progress Reports Mailed Home

9th Grade Designers! Next week, we kick off one of your first Da Vinci Design traditions: Overnighter! We’re excited to build connections, make memories, and start creating friendships that last. Please review the information below to make sure you’re ready to go!

DVD Overnighter Information for Families

What an incredible start to the 2026–2027 school year! It was wonderful to see our campus come back to life as our Designers filled the hallways with excitement, laughter, creativity, and energy. From welcoming our newest freshmen to reconnecting with returning students, the first week reminded us why Da Vinci Design is such a special community.

Throughout the week, students settled into their classes, met their teachers, connected with classmates, and began building the relationships and routines that will set the foundation for a successful year. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making the first week such a positive and welcoming experience. Your flexibility, patience, and enthusiasm helped us kick off the year on a high note!

As we head into Week 2, the excitement continues! Now that everyone has found their rhythm, it’s time to dive deeper into learning, collaboration, and all the amazing opportunities that make Da Vinci Design unique. Every day is another chance to grow, create, challenge yourself, and continue “Building What Lasts”.

Designers, let’s carry the momentum from Week 1 into an even stronger Week 2. Keep showing up, supporting one another, asking great questions, and giving your best effort. We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next!

Designers, here is the bell schedule for this week!

MAP Growth Testing This Week

This week, our Designers will be participating in MAP Growth Testing in English and Math. MAP is an opportunity for students to show what they know and measure the growth they’ve made over time. We encourage every student to come prepared, get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and give their very best effort. Remember, this assessment isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing your growth and helping us better understand how to support your learning throughout the year. Believe in yourself, take your time, and show us what you can do!

Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

• Week of Aug. 24th MAPs Testing in English and Math Classes
• Thurs, Sept. 3rd: 9th graders leave for Overnighter @ 8:40am
• Mon, Sept. 7th: NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
• Wed, Sept. 9th: Chat w/ Admin @5pm via Zoom
• Fri, Sept. 11th: No School – Professional Development Day
• Mon, Sept. 14th: Seminars Start
• Thurs, Sept. 17th: Back to School Night @ 5:30pm
• Fri, Sept. 25th: DVD Club Fair

Happy New Week, Designers! See you tomorrow!

Designers… the wait is over! 

Tomorrow we officially kick off the 2026–2027 school year, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back to Da Vinci Design! 💙

Freshmen: We can’t wait to meet you and officially welcome you to the DVD family!

Check out the information below for everything you need to know for tomorrow and the rest of the week. Let’s make it an incredible start to the year!

First Day of School Info: Monday, August 17th

On Monday, August 17th, students will head to the field first, then be welcomed into the Black Box theater. After the Black Box, all students will begin the day in Advisory and will receive their class schedules. If students believe there is an error in their schedule, they should scan one of the QR codes posted around campus during passing period after Advisory to complete the Schedule Change Request Form.

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 outside near the Blackbox. Please see Mrs. Chantal Tejaratchi for more information tomorrow morning.

This is the DVD Week One Bell Schedule:

For the 2026-2027 school year, the start time for Da Vinci Design will remain the same at 8:40am Monday-Thursday and end time 3:45pm. Please note that Friday will follow a different schedule, with classes beginning at 8:40am and dismissal at 2:40pm. This Friday schedule will continue throughout the school year.

Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

• Mon, Aug. 17th: First Day of School!
• Wed, Aug. 19th & Thurs, Aug. 20th: Picture Day (during English classes)
• Week of Aug. 24th MAPs Testing in English and Math Classes
• Thurs, Sept. 3rd: 9th graders leave for Overnighter @ 8:40am
• Mon, Sept. 7th: NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
• Wed, Sept. 9th: Chat w/ Admin @5pm via Zoom
• Fri, Sept. 11th: No School – Professional Development Day
• Thurs, Sept. 17th: Back to School Night @ 5:30pm
• Fri, Sept. 25th: DVD Club 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. Do NOT stop in traffic to drop off students across the street or anywhere along Douglas.
• 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.

See you all tomorrow!!!

📚 DUAL ENROLLMENT WORKSHOPS

Interested in taking an El Camino College Dual Enrollment course? 

Mr. Omar Sanchez be hosting workshops DURING LUNCH in the College Career Readiness Classroom-Mr. Palafox’s classroom: Room 4302, 12th grade Hub.

WHEN:

1. Tuesday August 18

2. Wednesday August 19

3. Thursday August 20

4. Friday August 21

Please come prepared with access to your Social Security Number to complete the application process.

⚠️ Important: ENG C1000 – Academic Reading & Writing is ONLY available to 12th graders.

Space is limited, so come by if you’re interested!

Previous Blog Post on how to enroll for Dual Enrollment at El Camino: click HERE

Fall 2026 ECC Dual Enrollment Course OpportunitiesFinal