Hey Design Family!
We are chatting at 5pm today! Come hear updates regarding DVD! See you at 5pm!
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Archive for September 9, 2026
Cal Grant Opt Out (For Seniors Only)
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
Week 3 Wrap-up and Heading Into Week 4
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
Attention Dual Enrollment Students
IMPORTANT DUAL ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Dual enrollment courses require time spent outside of the regular school day, so it is your responsibility to keep up with assignments and actively check and log into your El Camino Canvas to stay current with what your professor requires.
Online/Asynchronous and In-Person Courses at El Camino College
Fall course dates: 8/24/26 through 12/12/26
IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE
1. First “drop” date: Tues, September 8, 2026 (Last day to drop class for a NO notation – this means the class will not appear on your official record/transcript at all)
***With the move to live registration in DualEnroll – where you registered/enrolled for your courses (elcamino.dualenroll.com) – you can drop your courses***
2. Second “drop” date: Sunday, November 15, 2026 (Last day to drop with a ‘W’ – this means the class will appear on your official record/transcript with a ‘W’ [Withdrawal] in place of a grade)
Best of luck!
Latino College Fair Expo
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.