Da Vinci Communications

We are so proud of our 9th and 11th grade students for putting on a terrific Exhibition Night! Thank you to our students, families, and alumni for coming out to support. We had a great turnout!

Some of you are aware that there was an incident that was initiated by a student who does not attend Da Vinci Schools during the evening. Please know that the matter was addressed immediately by school administration and the El Segundo Police Department, and no further incidents occurred. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Erin D’Souza, Principal, at (310) 350-7192.

We’d love to hear your feedback on how Exhibition night went. Please fill out this short survey and share your thoughts! We value your perspective.

Thank you again for your participation in our special evening!

Join us for Exhibition Night on Wednesday, November 20th from 5:30 – 7:00pm! We invite all families, friends, and community members to join us for our best night of the year! All DVC students are required to attend; students in grades 9 & 11 will have their projects on display. In addition to checking out our awesome student projects, we encourage you to participate in the ways listed below. We hope to see you there!

• Drop off books for DECA’s Book Drive (Marketing Pathway)
• Drop off donations for our Canned Food Drive (National Honor Society)
• Drop off donations for Staff Baskets of Gratitude
• Go “thrifting” in our Professional Clothing Shop (Let’s Do Business Club)
• Purchase the 2024-2025 DVC Yearbook

Sign up for FLEX Block: Friendly reminder to all students that we have FLEX Block on Monday and Tuesday this week; please sign up here: https://app.smartpass.app 

Shelter-in-Place & Evacuation Drill: The Da Vinci High Schools at the 201 N. Douglas location (including DVC) will participate in a Shelter-in-Place & Evacuation Drill on Tuesday, November 19th. Shelter-in-Place drills are designed to educate students and staff and provide practice opportunities for what to do in an on-campus or nearby emergency that requires a lockdown and/or evacuation. Drill expectations and procedures will be reviewed prior to the drill.

Professional Dress for Presentations of Learning (POLs): One of the expectations for a Presentation of Learning (POL) is that students come in professional dress. Our “Let’s Do Business” Club is setting up a professional dress thrift shop during Exhibition Night. Please check it out and take what you need to ensure you’re prepared for your presentations. At DVC, professional dress is defined as including the following:

• HEAD: Hair should not cover the face; no hats
• SHOULDERS: Button-down dress shirt (shirt must be tucked in) or or non-revealing blouse (must cover shoulders); Suit jacket (optional)
• KNEES: Khaki pants or dress pants (no jeans); Dress or skirt that touches tops of knees when standing up straight
• TOES: Closed-toe dress shoes (no sneakers or excessively high heels)

FAFSA Friday Workshops for Senior Families: Da Vinci Schools is excited to offer practical, hands-on FAFSA workshops to our senior families. See more information about the workshop on this post on our blog. This will be held on the DV Communications (DVC) floor in Room 3203 and is open to all Da Vinci Schools senior families. Participants should register here for ONE of the following dates as all workshops will cover the same material.

• 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.)

Communication Workshop: Whole Human Wellness Therapy will be presenting a family communication workshop designed to help participants connect more deeply with themselves and their family members. This workshop is open to all Da Vinci high school students, families, and staff and will take place on the Da Vinci Science floor (2nd floor, 201 N. Douglas Street) this Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. FREE Raising Canes and fun activities will be provided. Please RSVP at this link.

WDV Open Mic: WDV’s Fall Open Mic is open to students from ALL WDV high schools on Tue, 11/19 at 4pm in the ATRIUM! Here is the link to sign up.

Here’s what’s coming up THIS WEEK and beyond:

• Tuesday, 11/19: Shelter-in-Place and Evacuation Drill @ 9:15am
• Wednesday, 11/20: Exhibition Night (5:30 – 7:00)
• Thursday, 11/21: Computer Science Pathway Field Trip (12th Grade)
• Friday, 11/22: Press Submit Day (12th Grade)
• Monday, 11/25 – Friday, 11/29: No School – Thanksgiving Break
• Monday, 12/2: School resumes after Thanksgiving Break
• Friday, 12/6: End-of-Semester CD
• Wednesday, 12/11: Last Day to Submit Work for Semester 1
• Thursday, 12/12 – Thursday, 12/19: POLs & Finals (2pm dismissal)
• Thursday, 12/19: Last Day of Semester 1 (grades earned appear on student transcripts)
• Friday, 12/20 – Friday, 1/10: No School – Winter Break
• Monday, 1/13: School Resumes & Semester 2 Begins

Please use these links for easy access to school information:

• DVC Blog: dvc.davincischools.org
• DVC Announcements Deck: tinyurl.com/dvc-announcements-fall2024 
• DVC Monthly Calendar: tinyurl.com/DVCcalendar24-25 
• DVC Weekly Schedules: tinyurl.com/weekly-schedules24-25
• DVC Staff List: tinyurl.com/dvc-staff-emails
• DVC Clubs: tinyurl.com/DVC-clubs-2425 
• DVC Incident Reporting Form: tinyurl.com/dvc-incident-report
• DVC Health Resources: @dvhealth | Linktree 
• PowerSchool Login Page: davincischools.powerschool.com/public
• Canvas Login Page: davincischools.instructure.com
• Canvas Help Website: tinyurl.com/dv-parent-canvas-help
• Join “DVC Families” on Facebook!
• Follow us on Instagram!  @dvchighschool  @dvccounselors  @dvc.leadership 

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.