Archive for December 29, 2023

El Camino Dual Enrollment Spring 2024

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Hello DVD Juniors and Seniors,

This upcoming Spring semester, Da Vinci Schools is offering three dual enrollment courses. Two of these courses are asynchronous online, and one is in-person at our Da Vinci Schools 201 Campus (Room # TBD) on Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:00 pm- 4:25 pm. Course details are listed below:

 

COMS 100- Public Speaking

 

(Asynchronous, Online)

BUS 101- Introduction to Business

 

(Asynchronous, Online)

 FILM 110- Film Appreciation

 

(Synchronous, In-Person)
In this course, students will compose, present, and evaluate original speeches. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, topic selection, research, evidence, organization, delivery, and critical analysis of persuasive communication. Students are required to attend out-of-class speaking events.

 

 

 

3 units

Transfer CSU, UC

*meets graduation requirements at most CSUs

Start Date: Monday, February 12th, 2024

 This course is a survey of organization and management factors influencing the establishment, location, and operation of businesses. This course emphasizes the functional area of accounting as well as the legal framework within which business activities are conducted. The course also emphasizes the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) in a multicultural and globalized environment.

 

 

3 units

Transfer CSU, UC

Start Date: Monday, February 12th, 2024

 In this course, students will investigate the origins and aesthetics of cinema including the classic Hollywood narrative film and its alternatives. By analyzing representative films as unique cultural products, the student will be introduced to various methods of interpreting and evaluating motion pictures within their socio-political context.

 

 

 

 

 

3 units; 2.5 hour lecture

Transfer CSU, UC

Tuesdays/Thursdays  3:00-4:25

Start Date: Tuesday, February 13th, 2024



Who: Juniors and Seniors from DVC, DVD, and DVS. Based on academic performance and review, 10th grade students will need El Camino dean approval.

What: College courses at Da Vinci Schools, through El Camino College. Courses meet transfer requirements for most Cal State and UC campuses, as well as most private colleges and universities.

Why: Get a start on your college credits! It looks great on your college applications.

Cost: Free! The state of California and Da Vinci Schools pick up the costs, including textbook fees. Donations to help cover the cost of the textbooks from families that can are appreciated.

Where: Classes will be held virtually on the El Camino College student portal (Canvas & MyECC), or they will be in-person in a DVC/DVD/DVS classroom.


To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, the student will need to pass all their academic classes from first semester, have no credit recovery for a-g classes, and be a junior or senior student. Space is limited and we are accepting forms on a first come first serve basis!

For more information click on the following links:

Applying to El Camino College

Application for Admission Help

Dual Enrollment Application

Dual Enrollment form and DV Sponsored Dual Enrollment Supplemental Form must be completed and submitted to counselors by Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at 3:30pm

El Camino College is closed December 22-January 1 for the Winter Break. The El Camino Dual Enrollment Office will return on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Dual Enrollment support will resume after our respective Winter Breaks.

 

DVD Counselors

Posted in Grade 12

Happy Holidays DVD

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Dear Designers & families,

Happy holidays! With winter break upon us, we encourage you to relax, unwind, and settle into a safe and restful break.

The holiday season is a time for togetherness and joy, but it can sometimes bring unwelcome guests, like stress and grief. Some of us may be experiencing the holidays without a loved one. Some of us may be balancing endless to-do lists from shopping to entertaining. While we each celebrate this season’s joys, it’s important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and reach out for help if needed.

To help keep your holidays bright, below is a helpful resources. We encourage you to save this resource so you can easily reference them should you or a family member need help.

Da Vinci Schools partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our community. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. This is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Da Vinci Schools. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health care provider:

  • Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
  • Visit www.caresolace.com/davincischools and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

May you enjoy your break and return rested and reinvigorated for a fantastic new year!

 

Posted in Grade 12

Happy Holidays from Da Vinci Design!

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Seasons Greetings Designers and Design Families!

From our staff to your families, we wish all of you a happy holiday season. We hope you travel safely, eat well, and get lots of rest!

Semester two officially begins and classes resume on Tuesday, January 16th. See the calendar below!

Winter Break Front Office announcements: 

  • All DVD offices will be closed for the break starting Monday, Dec. 25th until Friday, Jan. 5th. If you need to reach us, please reach out via email and we are happy to assist.
    • For records requests (including work permits): reach out to Office Manager Maria Beltran at mbeltran@davincischools.org .
    • For attendance and student information: reach out to Admin. Support Manager Vannessa Ramos at vramos@davincischools.org .
    • For all other questions or concerns, reach out to Principal Russell Stoll at rstoll@davincischools.org .
  • Report cards will be mailed to arrive the week of Dec. 25th. If you have questions about final grades, please reach out to teachers directly via email. Grade appeals must be initiated via email within 30 days of the end of the semester. For more information about final grades, see the DVD Student and Family Handbook.
  • The Da Vinci Schools reception will be open during the break on select days. Please call us at 310-725-5800 between 8am-2pm to speak to someone on campus.

Wishing all of you a safe, restful and fun holiday break!

Posted in Weekly Updates

Week 18 Preview: Last Week of Semester One

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Greetings Designers and Design Families,

Next week is the last week of the Fall semester! This means that we are only one week away from Winter Break! Next week, to get into the holiday spirit before break, we hope all of our staff and students will participate in a Holiday-themed spirit week! See the dress up days listed below!

Special 9th Grade Exhibition: Wednesday, December 20th 5:30pm-6:30pm

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 5:30 – 6:30 our 9th grade students and teachers will be hosting a special Exhibition on-campus at 201 N. Douglas! Students will display and present their lamp projects, narratives, and artwork that they have been working hard on for their first semester POLs. The theme of this project is to develop and share a deeper understanding of the experience of people who are migrants and refugees. See the flyer below – and hope to see you there!

Week 18 Bell Schedule:

Report Cards Mailed Next Week and PowerSchool Access Locked: PowerSchool access is locked for end of semester report card preparation, and in order to prepare schedules for the Spring 2024 semester. If you have questions regarding Fall 2023 report cards or grades, reach out to your counselor via email. Once report cards are completed, if you have questions about a grade for a specific class or wish to contest a grade, please reach out directly via email to the teacher of that course.

Presentations of Learning (POLs) are here! POLs are performance based assessments which give students the opportunity to develop their speaking and presentation skills, and they give students space to reflect publicly on their learning. Because these are formal presentations, students are expected to wear formal attire. Any student in need of formal attire, please contact the front office and we will be happy to accommodate.

POL Treats for Teachers: Sign Up Here

While our students are preparing and presenting the learning they’ve achieved over the semester, our teachers are hard at work viewing and scoring those presentations. For teachers, this also means long, 8 hour days being a part of panels.

One way that we show appreciation for our teachers during these long days is keeping them fed and caffeinated. And we would love your help!

If you would like to donate snacks, treats, and coffee to our teachers, please use the sign-up to tell us what you will be dropping off.

Click here to sign up to bring a treat for teachers during POL week! Thanks!

Upcoming Events and Key Dates:

  • Thursday, Dec. 14th – Thursday, Dec. 21st: Presentations of Learning (POLs) – MINIMUM DAYS
  • Mon, Dec. 18th – Thurs, Dec. 21st: Holiday Spirit Week!
    • Mon: Wear a holiday hat / headband
    • Tues: Holiday colors and accessories
    • Wed: Wear your favorite plaid / flannel shirt
    • Thurs: Ugly holiday sweater!
  • Tues, Dec. 19th + Wed, Dec. 20th: POL Therapy Dogs On-Campus
  • Wed, Dec. 20th: 9th Grade POL Exhibition: “Illuminating Journeys” Lamps
  • Thursday, Dec. 21st: Last Day of Semester One
  • Friday, Dec. 22nd: Report Cards Mailed Home
  • Friday, Dec. 22nd – Monday, Jan. 15th: Winter Break (No School)
  • Tues, Jan. 16th: First Day of Semester Two

Posted in Weekly Updates

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (12.14.2023)

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Please see four exciting Real World Learning opportunities below:

Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program
Deadline to apply: January 17, 2024
Through Student Leaders®, Bank of America recognizes high school students who lead and serve in their communities and beyond. They connect Student Leaders to tools and resources to help make communities better. Student Leaders work as paid interns at a local nonprofit for eight weeks, attend the weeklong Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., develop leadership and career skills, and connect with like-minded students from their community and across the country. Click here for more information.

Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering (SHINE)
Presented by USC Vertibi School of Engineering
Application Deadline: February 16, 2024
At USC Viterbi’s Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering (SHINE) students can join a USC Viterbi professor’s research team for seven weeks to discover how engineering addresses our real world problems in various fields including biomedicine, robotics, aerospace and more. Each student works with an assigned professor as well  mentor (Ph.D. student or post-doctoral researcher) dedicated to training that student in experimental lab work or computational research – learning by doing not by studying. Scholarships are available for qualifying students.

Kollab Youth’s Winter 2024 Session
Deadline to apply: Monday, January 22, 2024
Low-income and underserved teens (ages 14 to 19 years old) can apply for Kollab Youth’s Winter 2024 Workforce Development Program beginning February 5th to April 5th. Kollab program helps young people explore career opportunities in business, STEM, and other careers that are high-growth and high-wage jobs. Kollab Youth is a registered Pre-Apprentice Program with the State of California! Youths can receive a certificate from the State of California for completing the program. To learn more, click here.

Iron Mountain Entertainment Services Scholarship
Presented by 1500 Sound Academy in Inglewood
Deadline to apply: December 22, 2023
Iron Mountain is giving away two on-campus scholarships to work with world-renowned producers. The recipients can select from Music and Industry Fundamentals, DJ Fundamentals, or the New Vocal Performace and Production Fundamentals program. To learn more, click here.

Posted in Real World Learning

College Applications, FAFSA/CADAA, and CSS Profile Updates (Seniors)

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Dear Seniors,

 

November 30th was the application deadline for UC applications and most CSU applications. However, there are a number of CSU campuses that are continuing to accept applications and a list can be found here.  Students can also apply to UC Merced until January 15, 2024. 

Other highlights: 

  • Community College: applications are open! Most students who have El Camino College on their college list completed their application during their advisory class.  In the spring, we will take prospective seniors to El Camino College to help them complete the enrollment process. If you haven’t finished filling it out and/or need help, please see Erin!
  • Private Universities: Many seniors submitted their applications during the months of November and December.  Some seniors are still working through their private university applications via the Common App. and will continue to do so until early 2nd semester for those universities that have a later deadlines.
  • University Portals: Once applications are submitted, many universities will require students to create a portal.  Portals are the main method of communication for many universities.  Please encourage your student to keep a close eye on their email, including spam, to access important information from prospective universities.

Financial Aid Update: 

The Department of Education just announced that the FAFSA will be available by December 31, 2023.  We encourage you to create an FSA ID, which allows you to digitally sign the FAFSA, prior to the launch. Both student and at least one parent need FSA IDs. Financial aid updates and resources are below:

  • Create an FSA ID – it takes 2-3 to process so creating one now will allow you to start the FAFSA when it opens

Deadlines for FAFSA/CADAA:

  • University of California: March 2, 2024
  • Cal State University: April 2, 2024
  • Private Universities: Check each university site as deadlines vary

We know there are a lot of updates and we are here to help!  Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Have a great week!

Your DVD Counselors

Pam, Nicole and Omar

Posted in Grade 12

Week 17 Preview: POLs Next Week

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Greetings Designers and Design Families,

This week at DVD, we wrapped up with lots of holiday cheer and fun at our annual Holiday Community Dialogue event in the gym! We played a ton of great games like antler ring toss, a holiday themed edition of “junkyard”, and we even had a gingerbread house building competition… until the Grinch stopped, by but even he couldn’t ruin the holiday spirit. We also called up our December All-Stars. We will continue our holiday fun during Week 18 when we invite students and staff to participate in a holiday spirit week. See below for photos of our Holiday CD games and our holiday spirit week!

Presentations of Learning (POLs) are next week! POLs are performance based assessments which give students the opportunity to develop their speaking and presentation skills, and they give students space to reflect publicly on their learning. Because these are formal presentations, students are expected to wear formal attire. Any student in need of formal attire, please contact the front office and we will be happy to accommodate.

POL Treats for Teachers: Sign Up Here

While our students are preparing and presenting the learning they’ve achieved over the semester, our teachers are hard at work viewing and scoring those presentations. For teachers, this also means long, 8 hour days being a part of panels.

One way that we show appreciation for our teachers during these long days is keeping them fed and caffeinated. And we would love your help!

If you would like to donate snacks, treats, and coffee to our teachers, please use the sign-up to tell us what you will be dropping off.

Click here to sign up to bring a treat for teachers during POL week! Thanks!

Here is the Bell Schedule for upcoming POL Weeks 17 & 18:

  • Early release of students at 1:45pm each day
  • *Special start on Friday, Friday Dec. 15th at 8:40am*

Special 9th Grade Exhibition: Wednesday, December 20th 5:30pm-6:30pm

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 5:30 – 6:30 our 9th grade students and teachers will be hosting a special Exhibition on-campus at 201 N. Douglas! Students will display and present their lamp projects, narratives, and artwork that they have been working hard on for their first semester POLs. The theme of this project is to develop and share a deeper understanding of the experience of people who are migrants and refugees. See the flyer below – and hope to see you there!

Winter Music Student Showcase: Tuesday, Dec. 12th at 6:30pm *NOW AT THE WDV GYM*

Due to the excitement and enthusiasm from our theater show this past Tuesday (and the incredibly high turnout they generated!), we have a major last-minute change to the venue for our Music Winter Showcase. It will still be on Tue, 12/12 but will now take place in the WDV GYM at 201 N. Douglas St. Doors are at 6pm, and the show will start at 6:30pm. See you there!

Upcoming Events and Key Dates:

  • Thursday, Dec. 14th – Thursday, Dec. 21st: Presentations of Learning (POLs) – MINIMUM DAYS
  • Tues, Dec. 19th + Wed, Dec. 20th: POL Therapy Dogs On-Campus
  • Wed, Dec. 20th: 9th Grade POL Exhibition: Lamps
  • Thursday, Dec. 21st: Last Day of Semester One
  • Friday, Dec. 22nd: Report Cards Mailed Home
  • Friday, Dec. 22nd – Monday, Jan. 15th: Winter Break (No School)
  • Tues, Jan. 16th: First Day of Semester Two

Week 16 Campus Highlight: Holiday Community Dialogue

 

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, Weekly Updates

Announcements from Real World Learning Director (12.8.2023)

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The University of California Irvine Brain Camp is a summer program for middle and high school students that offers an opportunity for immersion in neuroscience. The 2-week full-day camp (9am-4pm) will feature lectures and seminars, workshops, laboratory tours, dissections and other hands-on activities and experiments. 2024 Brain Camp dates are Monday-Friday July 29-August 9. Limited scholarships available. 

  • Explore topics such as:
    • Brain and spinal cord anatomy
    • Sensation and perception
    • Learning and memory
    • Brain-machine interface
    • Neuropathology
    • Neuropharmacology
    • Comparative neuroanatomy
  • Participate in hands-on laboratory work to explore the latest tools, techniques and technologies that are used in neuroscience laboratories at UC Irvine including:
    • Electrophysiology
    • Brain Imaging
    • Animal models
    • Optogenetics
    • DREADDs
  • Participate in workshops on topics such as:
    • Experimental design
    • Data analysis
    • Scientific Communication and public speaking
    • Neuroethics
  • Interact with world-renowned neuroscience professors, PhD students and undergraduates to gain insight into college life and the possible careers in neuroscience.
  • Develop the tools and skills necessary for success in college coursework.

During the second week of the program, students will design experiments, analyze data and present their work to their families as well as to an audience of UC Irvine neuroscience faculty and students. To learn more, please click here. 

 

Learn more about amazing RWL Opportunities here!
For more information, please contact Crissel Rodriguez, Director of Real World Learning, at crodriguez@davincischools.org.

Posted in Real World Learning

RSVP As A Vendor For The DV Staff Health and Wellness Fair- Jan. 12th

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Dear Da Vinci Community,

We are excited to host our first annual Da Vinci Staff Health and Wellness Fair on Friday, January 12th, 2024. We are looking for additional vendors and we’re reaching out to our Da Vinci community for businesses that would like to participate.

Participating in the Health and Wellness Fair is an opportunity for your business to connect with our dedicated staff members, showcase your products or services, and contribute to the overall well-being of our school community. Whether you offer fitness classes, nutritional products, wellness consultations, or any other health-related services, your involvement can make a meaningful impact. We welcome your creativity and input to tailor your involvement to best suit your business.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, January 12th, 2024
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: Blackbox Theater
201 N. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245

Da Vinci will provide tables and chairs for participants upon RSVP. Reserve your booth today at no cost by emailing Debbie Evans at devans@davincischools.org. 

Sincerely,
Da Vinci Wellness Committee

Posted in Events

Parent Interviewers Needed for Mock Job Interviews!

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Hello Da Vinci Design Parents and Guardians!

We are looking for parents/guardians and community members to participate in mock job interviews with 11th grade students from 12/14 – 12/21 on campus. Please click here to sign up and see the message below from our English 11 teacher, Mr. Oliver!

***

This year’s English 11 POL will be small group job interviews where students will respond to two personal inquiry questions they’ve been writing over the past few weeks. To make the interviews more realistic, I am recruiting two adults to join me in the interview process. Your presence is most important, but if you can also provide some feedback, that would be great! I will have some simple forms where you can leave a comment for the student. To clarify, you would attend an interview for a group of students that doesn’t include your child.

Each POL day consists of roughly three hour-and-a-half long segments, as seen on the sign-up below.

In the comment section on the sign-up form, please indicate who your child is so I can assign the groups accordingly.

We appreciate your help to make this as valuable as possible for our students!

Mr. James Oliver, English 11
joliver@davincischools.org

Posted in 11 Grade
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