Archive for February 28, 2018

Important Message about Emergency Drill Planned for March 1st

As previously announced, Da Vinci Communications, Da Vinci Design and Da Vinci Science will be conducting an armed intruder drill on Thursday, March 1, 2018.  This drill is a normal part of our continued efforts each year to maintain a safe and peaceful school environment. The drill will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will take place at an unannounced time during the day.  Teachers have been working with students during Advisory classes to prepare for this drill.  The “armed intruder” for the drill will simply be a person with a sign that states “armed intruder drill”.  During the drill, students will have a chance to practice the proper response if such a crisis were to occur. A Resource Officer from the El Segundo Police Department will be observing the drill and providing feedback on processes and procedures.  Students and staff will be debriefing the drill on the following day.

So the schools can remain informed and responsive, parents and students are encouraged to report any concerns or potential threats to the school. If you have any questions regarding this or the drill, please do not hesitate contact the front office of your child’s school. Thank you for your support in maintaining the safety of our students, staff and schools.

Scripps College Scholars – Summer 2018

Scripps College Academy (SCA) Scholars

Students are eligible to apply during spring of their 10th grade year. SCA is an intensive, multi-year, pre-college program for high- achieving young women with limited resources who seek to become the first generation in their families to attend college. Through a rigorous summer residential experience followed by monthly programming throughout high school, SCA Scholars develop the confidence and skills to be well-prepared college applicants, successful college students, and professionals who create positive, lasting change. Like all Scripps College Academy programs, the SCA Scholars experience is provided at no cost to the student or her family.

Applications due March 10:

Applications must be printed and placed in the mail (US Post Office) by Friday, March 9 in order to be postmarked by March 10, 2018. Download the application here: http://www.scrippscollege.edu/academy/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2018/01/SCA-Scholars-application-2018-Working-Copy1.pdf

Eligibility

The SCA Scholars program seeks to serve students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and motivation. Students are eligible to be considered for the SCA Scholars program if they meet ONE or more of the following criteria:

  • Qualify for free or reduced priced lunch, or demonstrate financial need
  • Will be the first generation in their family to attend college (no parent graduated with a 4-year college degree)
  • Attend a Title 1 School

Summer Residential Program

SCA Scholars begin by attending the two-week Summer Residential Program which provides the opportunity to experience what it is like to live among their peers and study at a private, liberal arts institution. For many SCA Scholars, this is their first time on a college campus and their first experience living away from home. Students further their academic preparation by exploring issues of race, class, and gender through an interdisciplinary academic curriculum. Participants develop their writing, critical analysis, discussion, and presentation skills under the guidance of Scripps College professors, staff, and undergraduate mentors. In addition to the academic program, scholars attend fun and informative workshops, field trips, and participate in recreational athletic or art activities. Students are required to live on-campus for the full duration of the summer program. There is no cost for participation in the Scripps College Academy; Scripps College and program sponsors cover all expenses.

Year-Round Academic Enrichment

Following the Summer Residential Program, SCA Scholars take part in additional academic and college-preparatory programming throughout high school. These weekend activities include faculty-led book clubs, science research opportunities, SAT/ACT preparation classes, and field trips to museums and other cultural centers.

College Planning

Beginning in their junior year, SCA Scholars and their families receive individualized assistance in the college application and financial aid processes. Through home visits by SCA staff, workshops by admission and financial aid experts, and the mentorship of Scripps College students, Scholars are encouraged and supported in applying to a wide range of college and scholarship opportunities that fit their academic and personal goals.

Participant Success

Since the first graduating class in 2005, SCA Scholars have enrolled in more than 75 different colleges and universities across the United States.

Consistently, SCA Scholars graduate from high school with top academic honors and pursue higher education. Many earn prestigious national awards following high school, including the Gates Millennium and Posse Foundation Scholarships.

One hundred percent of the SCA Scholars high school class of 2016 will enroll in higher education within six months of graduation; 100% will matriculate directly into four-year institutions, with 55.3% attending a “selective” or “most selective” school.

Go to Summer Camp with Grammy Pros at Grammy Camp

Interested in the music industry? Apply to Grammy Camp by March 31st!

GRAMMY Camp is a 5-day nonresidential summer music industry program for high school students interested in having a career in music. Hosted on the campus of USC Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles, students from across the country apply for one of the eight offered career tracks. GRAMMY Camp faculty of music professionals as well as guest industry professionals provide valuable insight to give the campers the best chance at achieving success in their chosen career.

Financial assistance is available for students. 

Get Hands on Career Training and Learn from Industry Experts!

For more information on necessary materials to submit an application, possible career tracks, and to apply, visit: http://www.grammyintheschools.com/programs/grammy-camp

Summer Pre-College Program at Adelphi University: Apply Today!

DVD Families,

This summer, students can experience Adelphi University’s personalized approach to education through our Pre-College Program. The program invites rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to spend two weeks living and learning on Adelphi’s beautiful college campus in Garden City, NY.

Subjects to explore include:

Art and Design

Business and Entrepreneurship,

Digital Media Production

Nursing

Video Game Programming, and more!

Dates: July 22nd-August 2, 2018.

Earn 3 transferable college credits!

For more information and to apply, visit http://precollege.adelphi.edu/ or email the Director at dveron@adelphi.edu

Apply Now to UCLA Summer Scholars Support Scholarships

UCLA Summer Sessions offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships to California high school students participating in academic courses or Precollege Summer Institutes.
Summer Scholars Support is awarded based on academic ability (and artistic ability, if applicable) and financial need. Priority is given to those without any comparable experience. This year, $100,000 is available to support 40-50 partial or full scholarships.
In order to apply for Summer Scholars Support, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Must be registered and attending a high school in the state of California
  • Have not received any Summer Scholars Support in the past
  • Must be a continuing high school student in Fall 2018 (seniors graduating in 2018 are ineligible)
  • Must be enrolled in 2018 UCLA Summer Sessions, either an academic course or an eligible Precollege Summer Institute
  • Have a family annual adjusted gross income of $115,000 or less
How to Apply
  1. Complete registration for Summer Institutes or academic courses and pay the non-refundable deposit ($150)
  2. Complete the Summer Scholars Support Online Application by April 1 at 4 p.m.
  3. Mail the following Supporting Materials in ONE packet:
    • An official copy of the student’s most recent High School Transcript
    • A recent copy of W2s and 2017 Federal Income Tax Form (1040) of parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
    • A completed and signed recommendation form from a teacher or school counselor
All supplemental documents are due to the Summer Sessions office by April 2 at 4 p.m. 

For more information on the scholarship application, please visit 
Summer Scholars Support or contact us at info@summer.ucla.edu.

Summer Programs Spotlight

Dear DVD Families,

Here is a list of a few Summer Programs your student may be interested in. Summer Programs are an opportunity to experience life on a college campus or career-related field while updating your resume. Application due dates are listed and other information can be found using the program’s website:

UCLA’s Summer Math and Science Honors Program, SMASH (Application due March 1st):

Program Cost: Free

The Summer Math and Science Honors Academy (SMASH) is a free of cost, STEM-intensive college preparatory program for underrepresented high school students of color.SMASH boasts a rigorous 5-week, 3-year summer, fully residential STEM enrichment program which provides access to STEM coursework and access to mentors, role models, and support networks of students of color.

Website: http://www.lpfi.org/programs/smash/

UCLA’s Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program (Application due March 2nd):

Program Fee: $500

The Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program is an intense, one-week, primarily educational program incorporating medical guest speakers and hospital-related tours and activities giving the Summer Scholar an involved sense of working within the field of medicine. This is not a “summer camp-like” program and housing accommodations are not included.

Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/volunteer/pre-med-summer-scholar-westwood

Girls Who Code (Application due March 16th): 

Cost: Free

Free 7-Week Summer Programs For Current 10th and 11th Grade Girls to Learn Coding and Get Exposure to Tech Jobs

Website: https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/

SCI-Arc’s Design Immersion (Application due May 15th)

Need based Scholarships are available.

SCI-Arc’s Design Immersion Days (DID) is an immersive four-week summer program that introduces high school sophomores and juniors of varying backgrounds to the academic and professional world of design and architecture.

Website: https://sciarc.edu/admissions/apply/design-immersion-days

 

For other activities, check out this information sheet:  Miscellaneous Summer Activities

Thanks,

The College Counseling Team

Coffee and Chat with the DVD College Counseling Team: March 1st

Dear Parents,

You are invited to the DVD College Counseling Team’s monthly Coffee and ChatThis is a great opportunity to drop by and talk with your student’s college counselor, discuss college preparation, summer opportunities, extra curricular activities, and more!

Who: All DVD Parents

When: The first Thursday of every month from 8-9 AM

Where: Da Vinci Design, Lunch Room on the 1st Floor

You're Invited (2)

We look forward to seeing you there,

The Counseling Team

Pam Baker (A-GL), Rachel Fusco (GO-O), Erin Knott (P-Z)

Week 24 Update

Thank you and congratulations to the DVD Black Student Union for putting on an amazing Black History Month CD this morning alongside our leadership crew. Kudos to all who contributed and performed! What a great end to the week.

Good luck to our boys’ basketball team who is participating in the CIF Division 5A Semi-Final Game this evening. Go Wolves!

Week 24 updates are below. Reminder that our lockdown drill is next week on Thursday, March 1. You will receive additional information in advisory on Wednesday 2/28.

Tuesday, 2/27: 10th Grade Class – Guidance Lesson with the counselors

Thursday, 3/1: Lockdown Drill & Debrief

Friday, 3/2: 11th Grade Class – Guidance Lesson with the counselors

Reminder: Student Led Conferences (SLCs) are the week of March 5 and run Monday-Thursday. Minimum day schedules are in effect those days (can be seen below).

Have a nice weekend!

Week 24 Schedules (Feb 26-Mar 2)

Screen Shot 2018-02-23 at 4.32.03 PM

Week 25 Schedules for Student Led Conferences (Mar 5-9)

Screen Shot 2018-02-23 at 4.33.05 PM

Student Volunteer Opportunity at Rock Around the Block!

Screen Shot 2018-02-23 at 4.35.56 PM

Find the College that’s Right for You: Attend a NACAC College Fair

Dear DVD Students and Families,

It’s never too early to plan for college. Start your college search for free at a NACAC National College Fair!

Free and open to the public, NACAC fairs connect you to hundred of colleges and universities in one location. 

To find a NACAC College Fair in your area, check out the flyer below and register for free at www.nacacfairs.org/ncf

Flyer: NACAC College Fair Flyer

 

You’re invited: Families Connected Speaker Series- Issues on the Minds of Teens, March 20th

DVD Families,

Wondering what’s on the minds of teens and how we as parents can help them cope with today’s pressures? Then please register today for our March 20th Families Connected Speaker Series production, Issues on the Minds of Teens, featuring a teen panel moderated by Leah Niehaus, LCSW, and Adam O’Neil, Mindset Coach.

Details and Registration
The event is provided in partnership by South Bay Families Connected and Beach Cities Health District, and is co-sponsored by the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, The Redondo Union Unified School District, and the Hermosa Beach City Unified School District. All South Bay parents are invited to this free event. Space is limited, so please register today.

 

« Older Entries