Da Vinci Design

Designers, we’re heading into Week 5, and there’s a lot happening at DVD! The foundation has been set, routines are taking shape, and now it’s time to keep building on the strong start we’ve created together.

SEMINARS START MONDAY!
We’re excited to officially kick off Seminars this week! Seminars are an opportunity for students to explore interests, try something new, connect with different teachers and students, and add another layer to their DVD experience. Come ready to jump in and make the most of it!

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT this THURSDAY @ 5:30 PM!
We can’t wait to welcome our DVD families to campus for Back to School Night! This is a great opportunity for families to meet teachers, experience a little bit of their student’s day, and learn more about the exciting work happening in our classrooms. See our Blog Post for more information along with the schedule.

There’s so much happening across DVD, and we love seeing our Designers settling in, building relationships, and getting more connected to our community each week.

Five weeks in—and we’re just getting started! 💙

Here is the Bell Schedule for Week 5:

Upcoming Events and Important Dates:

• 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
• Fri, Oct. 9th: Professional Development Day No School for Students

Design Family! We have a busy week! Happy Week 5!

We have our Back to School Night THIS Thursday September 17th. Back to School Night is a great opportunity to hear about classes, make connections with your students’ teachers, and tour classrooms at DVD. Each grade level will begin with an assembly in the Blackbox Theater from their grade-level teams and then head up to the fourth floor to meet and greet teachers in the classrooms. Please note the presentation for the 9th and 10th grade is at 5:30pm and the presentation for the 11th and 12th grade families is at 6:00pm. See the schedule below for more information!

Also please note: DVD 12th Grade College & Career Family Information Night!!! This Thursday 9/17 at 5:00pm, the DVD Counseling Team will be discussing all things College & Career for SENIORS!!! This event is before Senior Back to School Night!

This event is for seniors and their families and will be held BEFORE Back to School Night.

We hope to see you there!

Please reach out a DVD Counselor for any questions or clarification.

• 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@davinischools.org

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