October 2026

Hello, DVC Families! While it is definitely hot like August outside, October is here. We’re excited for this week’s Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week and for our annual Hispanic Heritage Month CD on Thursday! A reminder that this Wednesday, October 7th, has a special schedule and will be a 3:30pm dismissal day, and that there is a Professional Development Day on Friday, October 9th.

We also had a special treat for students in the Futures Plus & Futures program last weel: On Tuesday, Futures Plus teacher Sarah Taylor was recognized by the L.A. Chargers and Mazda for her work in implementing the new Futures Plus program for young adults with exceptional needs. Ms. Sarah received $10,000 for her classroom and two tickets to a Chargers game! Futures students had a sweet treat, as the Chargers brought football-themed donuts. Chargers player Tuli Tuipulotu (who grew up in Lawndale) and the Chargers media team visited a few DVC classrooms and got to interact with students as well. See below for pictures!

Student-Led Conferences (SLCs): Fall Student-Led Conferences will take place October 12th-16th from 2:30-4:00. Please see this letter for information about SLCs and how to sign up. All parents are encouraged and expected to attend SLCs.

Hispanic Heritage Month Events (10/5-10/8)

Mon-Thurs: LSU SPIRIT WEEK
- Monday: Dress as your favorite Loteria Card!
- Tuesday: Jersey Day, rep your favorite team!
- Wednesday: Who’s got better style – Abuelos vs. Abuelas!
- Thursday: Flag Colors, rep your heritage!

Tuesday: Loteria con los Directores (Loteria with the Principals)
- Play Loteria with Mr. Daramola and Ms. Ornelas in the DVC main common area at lunchtime on Tuesday!

Wednesday: Craft Club Hispanic Heritage Month Event
- The Craft Club will be hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month themed crafting event at lunchtime in the DVC main common area!

Thursday: Hispanic Heritage Month CD
- Performances, Games, fashion show, and more!

9th Grade & Transfer SLC Help Event: We’re excited to share that our Wolfpack and Peer Mentor leaders will facilitate a Grade Student-Led Conference (SLC) workshop Wednesday, October 7th after school in Mr. Max’s room (3304) from 3:30-4:30. This workshop is designed to support our freshman and transfer students as they prepare for their SLCs, giving them the chance to learn from upperclassmen who have been through the process. Our student leaders are ready to share tips, answer questions, and help freshmen feel confident presenting their work and goals.

DVC Parent Association & Parent Advisory Committee Meetings on October 22nd and October 29th:

DVC Parent Association Meeting: We are excited to launch our first ever DVC Parent Association this year, with the goals of providing opportunities for parent involvement with school events, appreciation weeks, fundraising, and the Parent Advisory Committee at DVC. At our first meeting on October 22nd at 6:00 P.M. in person, we will mix and mingle, have refreshments, and share plans for the DVC Parent Association. RSVP here for the first Parent Association meeting. We’re excited to partner with you to support DVC!

Parent Advisory Committee: The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), rovides an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, data, needs, and recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in applying for this committee and attending the first PAC meeting on October 29th at 4:30 P.M. please fill out the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form by Wednesday, October 14th. PAC meetings will be held on the following dates: 10/29, 12/3, 2/4, 4/15, and 5/27 from 4:30-5:30 via Zoom.

CHYA Notices: 9th Grade students will receive sexuality education as required by the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) the week of October 12th-16th. Additional notification has been sent to 9th grade parents. Parents/guardians have the option of excluding their child from sexuality education instruction. Please contact Assistant Principal, Elizabeth Ornelas (eornelas@davincischools.org) if you wish to opt your child out of this requirement.

Fall Family & Student Survey: Our Da Vinci Fall Survey will go live on October 5th until November 1st. You will receive a text and email with your personalized survey link. To take the survey, you will need to click the link from the text or email and respond to the questions. We will also have more information at SLCs if you’d like assistance. Your feedback is valued and appreciated.

College Rep Visits: Interested in learning more about different colleges and post-high school options? We have several reps who will be visiting this month to present to DVC students. All college rep visits will take place in Mr. Jackson’s room at lunchtime.

Chapman University – Tuesday, October 6th
Stanford University – Monday, October 12th
Syracuse University – Wednesday, October 21st
University of California, Riverside – Thursday, October 22nd
University of Arizona – Friday, October 23rd

EAT Update: The DVC Environmental Action Team (EAT) is back with a newsletter for this week about microplastics. Check it out here!

Absence Reporting Reminder: If a student is going to be absent, parents should fill out the Absence Form. After this is filled out, students can fill out the STIS Form in order to recover and clear this absence.

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