Archive for Author Nicole Tafoya

Spring 2025: 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Community Group

 

Dear 9th Grade Parents and Guardians,

 

Please join us for the first session of the semester of the 9th parent/guardian community group.

 

This series of meetings is specifically intended for 9th grade parents/guardians at DVD! No prior attendance is required! All are welcome to join!

 

We hope to see you there!

Rivet School virtual information session

Rivet School invites you to join our virtual information session on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00 pm.

In partnership with Da Vinci Schools, our Rivet School Bridge Program offers a supportive and free college and career experience. Da Vinci Seniors who choose to pursue their bachelor’s degree through Rivet School will enroll at no cost to the student or their family.

Why Rivet School?

  • 1:1 Support: We understand the unique needs of students and provide flexibility with structured accountability.

 

  • Affordable College Pathway: Students partnering with Rivet School through DaVinci Schools enjoy a cost-free college experience.

 

  • Designed for Success: Our program is crafted to guide students seamlessly toward graduation and future career success.

Curious if Rivet School is the right fit for your student? RSVP for our upcoming info session to meet our Rivet School College Coach, and discover more about the program and how it can shape a brighter future for your senior.

FAFSA Friday Workshop Series

Hello senior families! A reminder that the “FAFSA Fridays Workshop Series” continues with a workshop THIS, Friday, January 17th from 6:00pm-7:30pm at Da Vinci Communications (DVC) in Room 3203 . Please see flyer below for details.  Please use the QR Code to register or you can register here for upcoming workshops. Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.

 

Attention Seniors!

📣 Attention: DVD Seniors and Families 📣

In partnership with Rivet School, Da Vinci seniors who choose to continue their journey through the Rivet School Bridge Program will enroll in college at no cost (free!) to the student or their family. Students will participate in a flexible, online accredited degree program with opportunities for in-person meetings and career-connected learning on the Da Vinci Connect High campus. Hear from our very own Ebony Bobadilla in this video on why she thinks Rivet School is a great option for Da Vinci students!

Still, deciding on your next steps for this Fall? There’s still time to apply by the January 26th deadline!

Get started by taking the steps below.

📝 Step 1: Submit an interest form today! (No GPA req, No SAT req, No personal statement)

✅ Step 2: Complete your application in less than 30 minutes! (your application link will be sent to your email)

Questions? Reach out to us at bridge@rivetschool.org

POL Clothing Closet

Dear Design Families,
Presentations of Learning (POLs) begin next Wednesday 12/11.
One of the expectations for a Presentation of Learning is that students come in professional dress. Professional dress is defined to including the following:
  • Button-down dress shirt (shirt must be tucked in) or non-revealing blouse (must cover shoulders); Suit jacket (optional)
  • Khaki pants or dress pants (no jeans); Dress or skirt that touches tops of knees when standing up straight
  • Closed-toe dress shoes (no sneakers or excessively high heels)
  • Hair should not cover the face
  • Other clothing professional to students’ identity and/or culture
We understand that many families may not be able to put together attire that meets these standards in a short timeline. In order to help our families, the DVD has a POL clothing closet for students to borrow from. The clothing closet is in need of a refresh. If you have clothing or shoes that meet these requirements and that you no longer need, please consider donating them to DVD.
We will accept donations of professional clothing to the downstairs front office, and we welcome students to see if there is something donated that fits their need. We are hopeful that this professional clothing exchange helps us work together as a community to ensure that each student feels comfortable and confident in their presentation!
Students can contact their counselor for any questions.
Thank you for your support!

Thanksgiving Food Drive

 

DVD and DV Connect K-8 are working in conjunction with Big Sunday and their 13th annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event.

 

DVD will be collecting canned goods in our advisories.  The main items we want to collect are:
Canned green beans ( any brand )
Canned corn ( any brand )
To help Connect with their drive, we can also accept:
Bruce’s Canned Yams ( 15 oz )
Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce ( 14 oz )
We appreciate your support!

Show Your Gratitude for DVD Staff

Dear DVD Students, Parents, and Guardians,

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we are all grateful for the tremendous work of our school staff – from our teachers to counselors to paraeducators to custodians to front office staff. To show our appreciation, we are organizing Thanksgiving baskets to deliver to our school staff on Friday, November 22nd. The idea is that each staff member will receive one basket containing treats and words of appreciation from students and families.

Here is how you can contribute to the baskets of Thanksgiving:

  1. Items: If you are interested and able to purchase something to show your appreciation, please consider non-perishable items such as: individually wrapped items (popcorn, gummies, trail mix, chips, hot chocolate, pretzels, candy, cookies), gift cards ($5 to Target, Starbucks, etc.), coffee drinks, sparkling water, tea, and any other non-perishable snacks. We need donated items collected by: Thursday, November 21st. All items can be left in a donation box on the first floor front office. 
  2. Words of Appreciation: There is nothing that means more to school staff than words of appreciation or encouragement. Please consider handwriting a note of thanks or typing one digitally here: DVD Staff Appreciation Notes We will be printing these digital messages and including all words of appreciation in the baskets. Handwritten notes can be dropped off by Thursday November 21st.

With gratitude for your ongoing encouragement and support,

Russell Stoll, Principal

Kirk Takeyama, Assistant Principal

Korina Barefield, Dean of Student Success and Culture

South Bay Families Connected

Did you know that Da Vinci Schools are included among 115 South Bay Families Connected Partner Schools? Through this partnership, our parents and staff have free access to resources and educational events addressing a wide array of youth wellness topics, from healthy tech use to substance use prevention. We invite you to attend any of their upcoming events, including screenings of the new Screenagers film and the fentanyl prevention film “Come Back Home”, as well as the monthly Families Connected Parent Chat support group. Be sure to check-out this month’s Families Connected newsletter and sign-up to gain access to new resources and events each month. For our own unique youth wellness resource page, visit Da Vinci Families Connected. Together as a community, we strive to help our youth thrive.

AllCove Mental Health & Wellness resources

 

Attached please find the event and workshop calendar for AllCove, a robust community center right here in the South Bay. AllCove offers:

  • Mental health.
  • Physical health.
  • Substance use.
  • Peer support.
  • Family support.
  • Supported education and employment.

Below are some events that might be of interest to you and your student:

Holistic:

AllCove Open House – Saturday, October 5th

Clothing Upcycle Event, Thursday, October 17th from 4:30 – 6:00pm

Social Emotional:

Healthy Relationships Workshop – Saturday, October 12th, 19th and 26th – 12 – 1:30p

Gender Identity Dialogue – Tuesday, October 1, 15, 29 – 5 – 6:00pm

College:

Finding your Voice in College Essays – Wednesday, October 9th, 16th from 4:30 – 6:00pm

First Generation College Bound – Tuesday, October 22nd, 5 – 6pm

 

Call for more information:

allcove Beach Cities

(310) 374-5706

Wellness Screener and OPT OUT

Dear DVD Families,

The number of youth nationally experiencing anxiety and depression has risen 30% in recent years according to U.S. Health and Human Services. In an effort to be more proactive in supporting students’ mental health, a wellness screener will be given on September 16th and September 18th to all students during advisory at Da Vinci Design HS to identify students who may need support. Results from the screener will be used by the counselors to offer students interventions such as coping skills groups, counselor check ins, and referrals for therapy.

Scores will not be shared with students or parents/guardians. Parent/guardian consent is required if a student is referred to receive counseling services delivered by Antioch or Luminarias therapists. If you would like your student to OPT-OUT and NOT PARTICIPATE in the screener, please fill out the form by Monday, September 16th.

Be Well,
DVD Counselors

OPT OUT FORM

 

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