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.
Archive for Grade 12
Cloud Computing Pathway – El Camino College
Hello Designers,
El Camino College is offering Cloud Computing Career Pathway for 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Please click here for complete flyer: Cloud Computing El Camino
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
Heatwave Alert & Recommendations
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.
Save the Date! Virtual 12th Grade College and Career Family Planning Meeting Monday 9/9
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
Da Vinci Swag Store Opening Soon!

Enroll Now!- Fall 2024 Da Vinci Schools/El Camino College Partnership Courses (Dual Enrollment)
Hello Designers,
Welcome back! This fall semester, Da Vinci Schools is offering 4 dual enrollment partnership courses with El Camino College. All courses are asynchronous online and start next week! Course details are listed below:
**VERY IMPORTANT**
In order to enroll in these classes, Da Vinci Schools will be hosting an application workshop in the RWL Center computer lab (1st floor) on Monday 8/26 from 3:00pm-4:30pm. Students should know their SSN# (if they have one) and whether or not their family is considered a military family when they come.
To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, the student will need to pass all their academic classes, have no credit recovery for a-g classes, and be a rising senior or junior student. Space is limited and we are accepting forms on a first come first serve basis!
AJ 100- Introduction to Administration of Justice
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process are examined in a cross context, emphasis is placed on the United States justice system, particularly the structure and function of police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, sentencing, and incarceration policies.
9th-12th Grade students can enroll in this course
BUS 101- Introduction to Business
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units
This course is a survey of organization and management factors influencing the establishment, location, and operation of businesses. This course emphasizes the functional area of accounting as well as the legal framework within which business activities are conducted. The course also emphasizes the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) in a multicultural and globalized environment.
Only 11th and 12th Grade students can enroll in this course
FILM 110- Film Analysis and Appreciation
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units
This course provides an introduction to the art and language of film. It covers the critical analysis of film form, narrative structures, genres, and the historical development of cinema. The course explores the major elements of film, including cinematography, editing, sound, and production design, as well as the cultural, social, and ideological contexts in which films are made and received. Students will view and discuss a variety of films, developing skills in film analysis and an appreciation for the artistic and cultural significance of cinema.
Only 10th-12th Grade students can enroll in this course
HDEV 110- Strategies for Success in College and life
(Asynchronous, Online) – 3 units
HDEV 110 is designed to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for academic success and personal development. The course covers topics such as goal setting, time management, learning styles, study strategies, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Additionally, it addresses the social and emotional aspects of college life, including stress management, motivation, and interpersonal communication. The course encourages students to explore their educational and career goals while equipping them with tools to navigate the challenges of college and beyond.
Only 11th and 12th Grade students can enroll in this course
If you have any questions, please see have your student see their counselor.
Thank you!
Attention Class of 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Our community partner, South Bay Families Connected, offers our families a variety of youth wellness resources. For Mental Health Awareness Month, we feature their resource pages covering trending youth wellness topics on the minds of parents and caregivers:
- Supporting healthy social media and screen time management
- Recognizing and supporting mental health challenges
- Understanding and managing stress and anxiety
- Helping youth build healthy relationships and foster empathy and compassion
- Practicing mindful parenting
Visit our own Da Vinci Families Connected page for more youth wellness resources from Da Vinci Schools and SBFC.