Archive for Grade 12

Show Your Gratitude for DVD Staff

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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

Posted in Grade 12

“FAFSA Fridays” Workshop Series- FAFSA Essentials for First-Time Parents

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OPEN TO ALL DA VINCI SCHOOLS SENIOR FAMILIES

WHEN: 

  • Friday, November 22nd, 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, December 6th, 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.) *Ayuda en Español*
  • Friday, January 17th, 2025 (6-7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, February 7th, 2025 (6-7:30 p.m.)

Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.

WHERE: 

  • Da Vinci Communications Room 3203

Workshop Description:
Join us for a practical, hands-on FAFSA Workshop designed specifically for parents navigating the FAFSA process for the first time. In this 1 hour and 30-minute session, you’ll learn the essentials of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including what it is, why it matters for your family’s financial planning, and how to complete it accurately and confidently.

We’ll start by breaking down the FAFSA process, covering everything from basic eligibility requirements to deadlines, key documents, and common questions about financial aid. Then, parents will have the chance to practice filling out a sample FAFSA, with guidance from experts available to answer questions in real-time.

What You’ll Gain From This Workshop:

  • Clear Understanding of FAFSA Basics: Learn the purpose of the FAFSA, how it affects college affordability, and what types of aid your student could qualify for.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: We’ll walk you through each section of the FAFSA form, demystifying terms, identifying common challenges, and clarifying exactly what information you’ll need to provide.
  • Hands-On Practice: Work on a mock FAFSA application to get comfortable with the format and practice identifying tools, documents, and information you’ll need for the real application.
  • Tools & Tips for Success: Get expert tips on maximizing your student’s financial aid opportunities and take home a checklist of essential resources to keep the process smooth.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel equipped and empowered to tackle the FAFSA with confidence and ensure your student gets access to the financial resources they deserve.

REGISTRATION:

Click HERE to register. Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.

For families who speak Spanish/prefer help in Spanish, register for the December 6th workshop.

Familias que necesitan ayuda en español, por favor regístrense para el 6 de diciembre.

Posted in Grade 12

Week 12 Preview

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Greetings Designers and Design Families,

This week was Spirit Week at Da Vinci Design! We had so much fun in particular with our “Student-Teacher Swap” day, where students and staff got the chance to walk in each others’ shoes. We also held our annual Halloween costume contest on Thursday – congrats to all of our winners! We are ending the week with our fall dance, which is masquerade themed and will be a great way to round out Spirit Week. See Spirit Week photos below.

Here is the bell schedule for Week 12 at Da Vinci Design:

With the end of the semester and POLs approaching soon, it is time for our last round of progress reports. Progress reports are being mailed home next week on Nov. 8th. The purpose of progress reports is to give families the opportunity to have a snapshot of student progress, and to be able to have a conversation at home with students about how to stay successful in school. This information will also be used by teachers and counselors in their plans to support all students. Please follow up with your child’s teachers directly with any questions about assignments or grades.

It is time for our biannual family and student surveys! Next week, you will receive an email from a survey app called Kelvin. This is not spam! Please follow the prompt to complete an online survey from Kelvin to share your feedback on Da Vinci Design. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete the survey. We appreciate your time and your feedback!

Upcoming Events and Key Dates:

  • Fri, Nov. 1st: NO SCHOOL – STAFF DEVELOPMENT
  • Wed, Nov. 6th: Coffee w/ Admin @8am and @5pm via Zoom
    • All DVD parents and guardians welcome! Join for brief school updates and open Q&A with the DVD admin team.
    • Agenda: 1) Campus Updates & Highlights, 2) Upcoming Calendar Events, 3) DVD Research Partnerships w/ UCLA and America Succeeds, 4) Q&A
    • Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/8331212069
  • Fri, Nov. 8th: Community Learning Day #2
  • Fri, Nov. 8th: Progress Reports Mailed Home
  • Mon, Nov. 11: NO SCHOOL – Veteran’s Day Holiday
  • Thurs, Nov. 21st: DVD Exhibition Night! (Grade 10 and 12)

College Rep Visits (Week 12 & 13): Seniors can sign up via Naviance

  • Santa Monica College – Mon, Nov. 4th
  • Woodbury University – Tues, Nov. 12th

Campus Highlight: Spirit Week and Halloween Costume Contest (Week 11)

Posted in Grade 12, Weekly Updates

South Bay Families Connected

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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.

Posted in Grade 12

AllCove Mental Health & Wellness resources

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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

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

Wellness Screener and OPT OUT

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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

 

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

Heatwave Alert & Recommendations

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Good Morning Designers & Design Families,

Da Vinci Schools is aware that high temperatures have been forecasted for the next few days, with temperatures reaching above the 90s. Here are some ways that we as a school community can support our students:

  • Students will be invited to stay indoors for lunch today and tomorrow when temperatures are at their peak.
  • Students are encouraged to stay indoors as soon as they arrive before school and until they are picked up after school.
  • We encourage students who normally walk or bike to school to ensure they travel safely and bring water, or to consider arranging to be dropped off/picked up or to carpool this week.

Please reach out to the DVD front office with any questions: 310-725-5800.

Posted in Grade 12

Save the Date! Virtual 12th Grade College and Career Family Planning Meeting Monday 9/9

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Who: DVD 12th Grade Students and Parents/Guardians

What: Senior Family College & Career Planning Presentation (before Senior 1:1 meetings starting next week)

Where: Zoom: https://davincischools-org.zoom.us/j/98908042996

When: Monday 9/9/24 at 5:00 p.m.

The information covered is necessary to have prior to attending the 12th grade 1:1 individual planning meeting. 1:1 meetings will begin after the zoom presentation. Students received sign up links in their College and Career Classes.

Please contact your counselor for questions.

Pam Baker: A-GL pbaker@davincischools.org

Nicole Tafoya: Go-O ntafoya@davincischools.org

Omar Sanchez: P-Z osanchez@davincischools.org

Posted in Grade 12

Da Vinci Swag Store Opening Soon!

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Get ready to snag Da Vinci Schools swag beginning next Monday, September 9th! You’ll have the chance to pre-order hoodies, sweatshirts, and track jackets to show off your Da Vinci Schools spirit all year long.
You can choose from different styles and colors, all with a silk-screened Da Vinci Schools logo. The pre-order window will be open for two weeks from Monday, September 9th – Sunday, September 22nd at 11:59pm. Youth – adult sizes are available. Orders will be distributed to school sites for pick-up in October.
 We’ll share the link as soon as it goes live! Stay tuned!
Posted in Grade 12
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