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!
Archive for August 29, 2026
Welcome to Week 2, Designers!
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!
Create. Collaborate. Build. Welcome Back, Designers!
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 Opportunities with El Camino College
📚 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
Orientation Information for Incoming 9th Grade Design Families & Transfer Families
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!












