Archive for 11 Grade

Introducing: The Da Vinci Family CFO Training Series

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A message from Christopher Jackson, College and Career Readiness Teacher at DV Communications:

I am inviting DV families from all campuses to a FREE, 6-workshop series designed to help you shift from financial stress to financial clarity.

Seats are limited and registration is required. Please see details below and sign up if you are interested and able to attend!

Workshop Details:
Dates: Every 3 weeks, Thursdays from Feb-May 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: 201 N. Douglas St. Campus/3rd floor, room 3203 (in-person)
Cost: FREE

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Did you know $3.75 billion in free college aid goes unclaimed every year?
  • Not because families don’t need it.
  • Not because they didn’t save.
  • But because 40% of eligible students never file the FAFSA, often assuming they won’t qualify.
Even families earning over $100,000 frequently qualify for aid. But they never find out because they skip the application entirely.
Meanwhile, 76% of students say financial aid is the #1 factor in choosing which college to attend. Research shows that just $5,000 in additional aid is enough to prompt nearly half of students to switch schools.
That’s not chump change. But most families leave it on the table.
Not because they lack intelligence. Not because they’re lazy.
But because they lack a strategy.
Most families treat college planning like an emergency, scrambling when acceptance letters arrive, reacting to financial aid offers they don’t understand, and hoping it all works out.
But what if you could approach your family’s financial future the way a CFO approaches a business plan?
Strategic. Proactive. In control.
Introducing: The Da Vinci Family CFO Training Series
I invite you to a FREE, 6-workshop series designed to help you shift from financial stress to financial clarity.
Whether you have a kindergartner or a senior, this series will provide you with the frameworks, tools, and confidence to make smarter decisions about retirement, college savings, investing, and long-term wealth.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
  • Workshop 1 (Feb 5): Money Story & CFO Mindset: Identify limiting beliefs and adopt a strategic decision-making framework
  • Workshop 2 (Feb 26): Retirement Planning Essentials: Secure your oxygen mask first (401k, IRA, Roth strategies)
  • Workshop 3 (March 19): 529 Mastery: Maximize tax advantages and avoid costly mistakes
  • Workshop 4 (April 16): Balancing Priorities: Navigate competing goals with the CFO Decision Filter
  • Workshop 5 (May 7): Investment Fundamentals: Demystify investing and match strategies to your timeline
  • Workshop 6 (May 21): Personal Financial Roadmap: Create your customized action plan
Why This Series?
This isn’t theory. This isn’t a sales pitch. This is practical, actionable training you can use immediately.
You’ll walk away with:
  • A clear financial roadmap tailored to your family
  • Confidence to make smarter money decisions
  • Community with other Da Vinci families on the same journey
  • Peace of mind that you’re setting your kids up for success

 

Seats are limited. Register today. Click HERE to secure your spot.

This series is designed for any Da Vinci parent who wants to take control of their family’s financial future, whether you’re just starting to save or already investing.

You don’t need to attend all 6 workshops (though I recommend it for maximum impact). Each one builds on the last, but you can join where it makes sense for your family.

I’ve worked with over 1000 families on college planning, FAFSA strategy, and financial literacy. I’ve seen firsthand how the right information at the right time can save families tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars.

My goal? Help 1 million families think like CFOs, starting with ours here at Da Vinci.

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, College Counseling, Events

Real World Learning Opportunities

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Dear Da Vinci Families,

Welcome! My name is Crissel Rodriguez, and I’m proud to serve as the Director of Real World Learning at Da Vinci Schools. I’m excited to share a brief update on how your child can stay informed about upcoming career-connected learning opportunities.

Your student has been invited to join a Real World Learning course on Canvas. Please note: this is not an academic course and does not include assignments. Instead, it serves as a communication hub where we share timely announcements about volunteer opportunities, internships, career events, job shadows, and more.

To ensure they don’t miss out, we encourage your child to accept the Canvas course invitation and enable notifications.

In addition, our team maintains a live Google document featuring a running list of real-world learning opportunities, organized by career sector. We regularly update this document as new experiences become available. You can view the document, by clicking here: bit.ly/44KDlPL

If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with us—whether by speaking in a classroom, hosting a company tour, or offering a student job shadow or internship experience—we’d love to connect. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at crodriguez@davincischools.org.

We’re honored to support your student on their journey of career exploration and look forward to a great year ahead!

Warm regards,
Crissel Rodriguez
Director of Real World Learning

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, Real World Learning

allcove Beach Cities Leadership & Wellness Conference

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Join young leaders from more than 30 organizations across the South Bay to connect, collaborate and uplift our voices together at our annual South Bay Leadership & Wellness Conference. This event will include conversations about advocacy, mental health, wellness and important topics facing our generation today.

You’ll also have the opportunity to share these priorities with local, state and federal leaders who will join us to kick off the event.

Picture this: young people sharing their concerns, their priorities and the ways we want to care for and support one another towards a healthier future. Through workshops and engaging wellness activities, the Conference is an opportunity to develop and expand your leadership skills and gain innovative tools to engage your peers in conversations that matter to them.

For young people ages 12-25. Free food and prizes are included! Plus, get community service hours.

Please RSVP by Sunday May 18, 2025. Please see attached flyer.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/331cf700fd394f719324314019772d48

South Bay Leadership & Wellness Conference
Saturday, May 31, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

allcove Beach Cities
514 N. Prospect Ave., 4th floor
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, Events, Grade 12, Student Life

Staff Appreciation Week

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Dear DVD Families,

Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner — May 5th–May 9th, 2025 — and we’re excited to celebrate our incredible staff!


 We’d love your help in making the week extra special by providing some treats or words of appreciation  for our staff to enjoy.

If you’re interested and willing, please use the links below to support Staff Appreciation Week.

  • If you are willing to write notes of appreciation Your kind words mean so much to our team!
  • If you’d like to bring a treat, please sign up below to drop off goodies on select mornings during the week of May 6–10.


Please label all items “For DVD Teacher Appreciation” and deliver them to the first-floor reception area. We’ll make sure they make it up to the fourth floor for our staff to enjoy!

Here are some of our staff’s favorite treats:

  • 🥯 Bagels/breads
  • 🍩 Donuts
  • 🍪 Cookies/Brownies/Pastries/muffins
  • 🍎 Fruit
  • 💧 Sparkling Waters
  • ☕ Coffee
  • 🍟 Chips/pretzels/popcorn

Thank you for helping us celebrate and show our staff how much they mean to our community! Your support truly makes a difference.

With appreciation,


 The DVD Admin Team

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, Events, Grade 12, Student Life

You’re Invited: Career Spring Fling at Belkin International in partnership with Da Vinci Schools (April 24)

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Join us for an engaging and hands-on learning experience, designed in partnership with Belkin International. The event will feature industry-led workshops and panels for you to gain valuable insights and learn about diverse career opportunities. Open to all 9th-12th grade students from all Da Vinci Schools.

  • Date: Thursday, April 24
  • Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Location: Belkin International (555 Aviation Blvd., El Segundo)  

Transportation Will Be Provided From Da Vinci 201 N. Douglas

RSVP here by Tuesday, April 22nd.

What to Expect

Confidence & Leadership Panel
Hear from leaders at Aerospace Corporation, Google, and Savage x Fenty on building confidence, self-advocacy, and authentic leadership.

Breakout Sessions – Choose 2:

  • Brand Marketing
  • Consumer Insights
  • HR/LinkedIn
  • Office Tour
  • PR
  • Product Design

Influencer Panel
Join influencers and industry pros for a behind-the-scenes look at influencer marketing, from brand partnerships to turning content into a career.

Networking + Lunch
Connect with reps from Snap, Spotify, Google, AltaSea, Cotton On, and more!

Want a sneak peek? Check out last year’s Career Spring Fling highlights at Belkin.

We hope to see you there!

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, Events

Coffee w/ Admin Tomorrow at 8am and 5pm

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Good Morning DVD Parents and Guardians,

Tomorrow, Wednesday Apr. 2nd (at 8am and 5pm) join the DVD admin team for our monthly “Coffee with Admin” chat. Simply log on via Zoom and bring any school-related questions, or just sit back, relax, and hear about school updates. Hope to see you there!

Wed, Apr. 2nd: Coffee w/ Admin

  • All DVD parents and guardians welcome! Join for brief school updates and open Q&A with the DVD admin team.
  • 8am or 5pm, via Zoom
  • Agenda: 1) Campus Updates & Highlights, 2) Upcoming Calendar Events, 3) Exhibition, 4) Q&A
  • Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8331212069
Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade

“Coffee with Admin” Today (via Zoom) at 8am and 5pm

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Good Morning DVD Parents and Guardians,

Today, Wednesday Mar. 5th at 8am and 5pm join the DVD admin team for our monthly “Coffee with Admin” chat. Simply log on via Zoom and bring any school-related questions, or just sit back, relax, and hear about school updates. Hope to see you there!

Wed, Mar. 5th: Coffee w/ Admin

  • All DVD parents and guardians welcome! Join for brief school updates and open Q&A with the DVD admin team.
  • 8am or 5pm, via Zoom
  • Agenda: 1) Campus Updates & Highlights, 2) Upcoming Calendar Events, 3) SLCs, 4) WASC Visit Recap, 5) Q&A
  • Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8331212069
Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade

“Coffee with Admin” for DVD Families (via Zoom) Tomorrow at 8am and 5pm

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Good Morning DVD Parents and Guardians,

Tomorrow, Wednesday Feb. 5th at 8am and 5pm join the DVD admin team for our monthly “Coffee with Admin” chat. Simply log on via Zoom and bring any school-related questions, or just sit back, relax, and hear about school updates. This will be our fifth Coffee with Admin of the 2024-25 school year. Hope to see you there!

Wed, Feb. 5th: Coffee w/ Admin

  • All DVD parents and guardians welcome! Join for brief school updates and open Q&A with the DVD admin team.
  • 8am or 5pm, via Zoom
  • Agenda: 1) Campus Updates & Highlights, 2) Upcoming Calendar Events, 3) Staff and Student Survey Feedback, 4) Q&A
  • Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8331212069
Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade

Spring Dance on Feb. 7th – Tickets Available Now!

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Get Ready to Dance at “The Cupid Shuffle” – DV’s Spring Dance!

Da Vinci is excited to host “The Cupid Shuffle”—this year’s Spring Dance—on Friday, February 7th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a sensory-friendly hour from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Ticket Information:

  • Presale: $25 (available through MySchoolBucks)
  • Deadline for Online Purchase: Thursday, February 6th, at 11:59 PM
  • At-the-Door Price: $30 (Friday, February 7th)

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, February 7th
  • Where: Da Vinci West Plaza
  • Dress Code: Semi-formal (dress up a little, but keep it comfortable!)
  • Who Can Attend: Only currently enrolled Da Vinci students (grades 9-12) – no outside guests permitted

Don’t miss out on a fun-filled night of music, dancing, and memories! Get your tickets early to save, and we’ll see you on the dance floor! [Check out the event flyer here.]

Note: We are using MySchoolBucks for the purchase of dance tickets and other school activities. Here are some resources you can use to set up your account, if you’ve never used it:

Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, Events, Student Life

Attention Seniors!

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📣 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

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