Archive for College Counseling

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

FAFSA Friday Workshop Series

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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.

 

Posted in 12 Grade, College Counseling, Events, Grade 12

9th/10th Grade Family College Planning Information Session

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Hello DVD 9th, 10th and 11th Grade Families,

On Thursday, May 2nd we welcome DVD 9th and 10th grade families and on Wednesday May 8th we invite DVD 11th grade families to join us from 5:30pm-6:30pm in the Blackbox on the first floor of the 201 campus, for their College Planning Information Sessions.

9th & 10th Grade Click here to reserve your spot.

11th Grade Click HERE to reserve your spot.

All students and parents/guardians are welcome!  Please contact a DVD counselor with any questions!

Pam Baker                             Nicole Tafoya                                    Omar Sanchez

Pbaker@davincischools.org     ntafoya@davincischools.org     osanchez@davincischools.org

 

We hope to see you there!

 

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

FAFSA webinar recording and helpful links

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Thank you to all Da Vincians who joined us on Thursday 10/6 for our Financial Aid Workshop for Senior Families.  In this workshop, we provided a general overview and explanation of the federal student financial aid process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) were explained along with grants, federal loans and scholarships.  The session was recorded and can be found HERE

Important Reminders and Resources on Financial Aid:

 

  • To complete and sign a FAFSA electronically, both the student and the parent need an FSA ID.  CLICK HERE for information/a helpful video on creating an FSA ID.

 

  • If you are applying to a private college, you many need to complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.  The CSS Profile is used to assess the student for institutional aid, which may include merit-based aid.  Here is a list of colleges that requires the CSS Profile.

 

  • If you are an undocumented student, you may be eligible for the state aid and institutional aid.   Please complete the DREAM Act Applicationto apply for these funds. Please connect with your counselor if you need support with this process.

 

  • If you are or were a foster youth, you may qualify for the CHAFEE Grant. Please connect with your counselor if you need support with this process.

As always, please reach out to your respective counselor if you have any questions.

 

  • The DV Counseling Team
Posted in 12 Grade, College Counseling

Welcome Back Designers!

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Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! We are excited to have you as a part of the Da Vinci Design community and are looking forward to a great year together.

We view your student’s mental health and well-being as a priority for their success at this school. In support of this, we have invested in several resources that you can access whenever you need help. Remember, you are not alone, and it is a true act of bravery and strength to seek help.

We encourage students to visit the on-campus resources and save the community resources so they can access them if they or someone they know needs help.

On campus:

  • Students can access help by visiting their school counselor. Students can stop by counselors office or email them to set up an appointment.
    • Pam Baker-Student last names A-Gl
      • pbaker@davincischools.org
    • Nicole Tafoya– students last names Go-O
      • ntafoya@davincischools.org
    • Fabiola Martin– Students last names P-Z
      • fmartin@davincischools.org

In our community:

Da Vinci Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health.

If you or a family member is looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance.

Care Solace’s care navigation services are confidential and complimentary to  Da Vinci Schools’s students, staff, and their families. Care Solace’s team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

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

In an emergency:

  • Call 911 or and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response
  • Go to the closest emergency room for support
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
  • Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor
  • Trevor Lifeline LGBTQQ+ Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386
Posted in 09 Grade, 10 Grade, 11 Grade, 12 Grade, College Counseling
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