Da Vinci Design

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

Designers!

We can’t wait to share all the exciting DVD information with you and your families!

9th Grade Orientations will take place on Wednesday, August 12th, and Friday, August 14th. Following each orientation, we will also offer a Freshman Family Engagement Session for families who are interested in learning more and connecting with our community.

Transfer Orientation will take place on Thursday, August 13th.

We look forward to welcoming our newest students and families to DVD!

For incoming 9th grade families:

• Please join us for Welcome Orientation: Wednesday, August 12th at 4pm or Friday, August 14th at 1pm in the Blackbox. Please RSVP here to register for the session you are going to attend! Also, please let us know on the survey which Math class your student successfully completed prior to 9th grade. Please note a counselor may require a report card or transcript to verify course completion.

• We also look forward to welcoming our incoming 9th-grade families to our Parent/Guardian Community Group on August 12th at 5:00 PM or August 14th at 2:00 PM following New Families Orientation, Please RSVP HERE

We hope to see you there!

And just like that, the 2025-2026 school year has come to a close!

To all of our Designers, congratulations on making it through another incredible year. Whether you were navigating your first year of high school, tackling challenging projects, presenting your learning, competing in activities, exploring internships, showcasing your talents, or celebrating graduation, you should be incredibly proud of everything you accomplished.

This year was filled with memorable moments. We saw students take risks, discover new passions, support one another, and grow as learners and leaders. From field trips and exhibitions to spirit weeks, performances, competitions, CLDs, CDs, and SLCs, each experience helped make this year uniquely special. Most importantly, we watched our students continue to embody what it means to be a Da Vinci Designer, creative, collaborative, resilient, and ready to take on new challenges.

To our graduating Class of 2026, congratulations! We celebrated your achievements with Senior Showcase, Awards Night, Graduation, and all the milestones in between. We cannot wait to see where your journeys take you next. You have left your mark on Da Vinci Design, and we are excited to see the impact you will make in the world.

To our returning students, enjoy every minute of your well-deserved summer break. Sleep in a little, spend time with family and friends, travel, read a good book, make memories, and recharge for the adventures ahead. Trust us, there will be many adventures ahead!

And speaking of adventures ahead…

We know summer just started, and yes, it may seem a little ridiculous to already be talking about school. But as educators, we are professionally incapable of ending one school year without immediately thinking about the next one!

So, while we promise not to assign any homework, we do want to remind everyone that the first day of the 2026-2027 school year will be Monday, August 17th. That’s right, we’re giving you plenty of notice. Consider this your official “don’t say we didn’t tell you” reminder.

Until then, enjoy a safe, restful, and fun summer. Thank you for making this year one to remember. We can’t wait to welcome you back in August for another amazing year at Da Vinci Design.

Have a wonderful summer, Designers!

What an incredible way to close out the school year as we celebrated the graduation of the Da Vinci Design Class of 2026!

Our graduation ceremony was a beautiful reflection of the remarkable students who crossed the stage. From the moment our graduates arrived, there was an unmistakable sense of pride, excitement, and accomplishment in the air. Dressed in their caps and gowns, each senior looked absolutely amazing as they celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, creativity, and growth.

The ceremony was filled with heartfelt moments, joyful celebrations, and reflections on the journey that brought our students to this milestone. Families, friends, staff, and community members gathered together to honor a graduating class that has left a lasting impact on our school community. Whether through their academic achievements, artistic talents, leadership, service, or the relationships they built along the way, the Class of 2026 has helped shape the story of Da Vinci Design.

As we watched our graduates walk across the stage, we were reminded of the courage, resilience, and passion that each student carries with them. While it is always bittersweet to say goodbye, we are incredibly excited about the bright futures that lie ahead. Our graduates are heading to colleges and universities, trade programs, careers, military service, and countless other opportunities where they will continue to learn, grow, and make a difference.

To the Class of 2026, thank you for the memories, the laughter, the creativity, and the spirit you brought to our campus. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next for each of you.

Congratulations, graduates! Once a Da Vinci Designer, always a Da Vinci Designer. Your future is bright, and we are cheering you on every step of the way.