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Archives for January 2026

$3.75 billion in free college money goes unclaimed every year

January 30, 2026 by Monique Aldrete

Dear Da Vinci Families,
Here’s a number that stops parents in their tracks: $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 assume 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
Workshop Details:
  • Dates: Every 3 weeks, Thursdays from Feb-May 2026
  • Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
  • Location: Da Vinci Schools Campus/3rd floor, room 3203 (in-person)
  • Cost: FREE
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.
Let’s do this together.
See you on February 5th.
Christopher Jackson
College & Career Readiness Teacher, Da Vinci Communications
Founder, FinLit Garden
cjackson@davincischools.org
cjackson@finlitgarden.co

Filed Under: Home

Funding the Future: Financial Aid Nights for DVC 10th & 11th Grade Families

January 29, 2026 by Monique Aldrete

Hello DVC Families,

This semester, we’re excited to host Funding the Future: Financial Aid Nights, an interactive workshop designed specifically for 10th and 11th grade families who want to better understand how financial aid works and how to prepare before senior year.

Why Attend Now?

Many families are surprised to learn that financial aid is based on income from a specific tax year—not senior year itself.

Did you know?
Students in the Class of 2027 will use their 2025 tax return when completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during their senior year. Class of 2028 will use their 2026 tax return

That means the financial decisions you make now can directly impact how much aid your student may be eligible for later.

What You’ll Learn

Join our DVC Financial Literacy Teacher, Mr. Jackson, for an engaging and practical workshop covering:

  • How the FAFSA works and what it looks at

  • What “prior-prior year” tax information means for your family

  • Smart money and tax strategies to consider before filing 2025 taxes

  • How to maximize eligibility for grants and scholarships

  • Common financial aid myths—and what actually matters

This session is designed to be accessible, informative, and empowering, whether college feels far away or right around the corner.

Event Details

11th Grade Families
Thursday, February 12th
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
DVC Common Area (3rd Floor)

10th Grade Families
Thursday, February 19th
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
DVC Common Area (3rd Floor)

Presentation will NOT be recorded but information shared during the presentation will be shared.

No registration/sign-up required.

For more information please contact Mr. Jackson (cjackson@davincischools.org)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Filed Under: Home

RESCHEDULED: 10th Grade Financial Info Night

January 26, 2026 by Andrew Daramola

Hello DVC families,

 

The 10th Grade Financial Info Night has been moved from Thursday, January 29th to February 19th at 6:00pm.  This event will be located in the DVC Common Area.  Please mark this in your calendars, and contact cjackson@davincischools.org for more info.

 

 

Filed Under: Home

Week 20 Updates for Families

January 25, 2026 by Andrew Daramola

Week 20

Last week’s CD was full of celebration and honoring student achievement!  We recognized students who made the honor roll (GPA of 3.3-3.59), high honor roll (3.6-3.99), and distinguished honor roll (4.0 and above).  Grade level teams also honored students for Resiliency, Most Improved, Positivity, Collaboration, and POL Superstars (posted below)!

Da Vinci Schools Surveys: We value your voice and input. Parents/guardians and students, you should have received an email from Kelvin Education in November with a survey link to provide feedback. Please look in your inbox for “Kelvin Education” to complete the survey. Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback. The feedback window closes this month.

 

Semester 2 Seminars: Students will be given the opportunity to choose new seminars this semester.  They can do so at this link: https://forms.gle/EzF25ofMPcJNdJTX6 

 

We are also implementing new intervention seminars this semester: Math Intervention for students who need additional support in Math content and Senior Seminar for students who need support in meeting the conditions of the Senior Contract (Passing all required courses, and 90%+ attendance and tardies).

 

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

  • MLK Day Holiday – Monday, January 19th
  • 10th Grade Financial Aid Night – Thursday, January 29th @6:00pm
  • Professional Development (No Students) – Friday, February 6th
  • Parent Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday, February 12th @4:30pm (Zoom)
  • 11th Grade Financial Aid Night – Thursday, February 12th @6:00pm
  • Community Learning Day – Friday, February 13th

Bookmark These Helpful Links:

  • DVC Announcements Deck: https://tinyurl.com/dvc-announcements-fall-2025
  • DVC Monthly Calendars: tinyurl.com/planning-calendar2526
  • DVC Weekly Schedules: tinyurl.com/DVCweekly-schedules2526
  • DV/Wiseburn Athletics: athletics.davincischools.org 
  • DVC Incident Reporting Form: tinyurl.com/dvc-incident-report
  • PowerSchool Login Page: davincischools.powerschool.com/public
  • Absence Reporting Form (Completed by parent for absences)
  • Short-Term Independent Study (STIS) Form (Completed by student for absences).

 

Filed Under: Home

Week 19 Updates

January 18, 2026 by Andrew Daramola

Week 19

No School on Monday, January 19th: there is no school on Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  We celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and his vision of equality, justice, and peace, and strive to live out these ideals at DVC.

 

Awards CD:  Students will be recognized for their academic achievement, as well as for grade-level awards from first semester at Thursday’s CD!

 

Da Vinci Schools Surveys: We value your voice and input. Parents/guardians and students, you should have received an email from Kelvin Education in November with a survey link to provide feedback. Please look in your inbox for “Kelvin Education” to complete the survey. Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback. The feedback window closes this month.

 

Semester 2 Seminars: Students will be given the opportunity to choose new seminars this semester.  They can do so at this link: https://forms.gle/EzF25ofMPcJNdJTX6 

We are also implementing new intervention seminars this semester: Math Intervention for students who need additional support in Math content and Senior Seminar for students who need support in meeting the conditions of the Senior Contract (Passing all required courses, and 90%+ attendance and tardies).

 

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

  • MLK Day Holiday – Monday, January 19th
  • 10th Grade Financial Aid Night – Thursday, January 29th @6:00pm
  • Professional Development (No Students) – Friday, February 6th
  • 11th Grade Financial Aid Night – Thursday, February 12th @6:00pm
  • Community Learning Day – Friday, February 13th

Bookmark These Helpful Links:

  • DVC Announcements Deck: https://tinyurl.com/dvc-announcements-fall-2025
  • DVC Monthly Calendars: tinyurl.com/planning-calendar2526
  • DVC Weekly Schedules: tinyurl.com/DVCweekly-schedules2526
  • DV/Wiseburn Athletics: athletics.davincischools.org 
  • DVC Incident Reporting Form: tinyurl.com/dvc-incident-report
  • PowerSchool Login Page: davincischools.powerschool.com/public
  • Absence Reporting Form (Completed by parent for absences) 
  • Short-Term Independent Study (STIS) Form (Completed by student for absences).

 

Filed Under: Home

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