Dear Seniors & Parents,

A Cal Grant is money for college you don’t have to pay back. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent (private) and career colleges or technical schools in California.

To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2, 2025 and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. There are three kinds of Cal Grants (A, B and C) but you don’t have to figure out which one to apply for. Your eligibility will be based on your FAFSA or CADAA responses, your verified high school Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges you list on your FAFSA and whether you’re a recent high school graduate. To learn more about the qualifications, please visit www.calgrants.org.

Da Vinci Communications is required to submit your student’s verified GPA. By law you have the option to “opt out” of this process if you do not want Da Vinci Communications to submit your student’s verified GPA. If you choose to “opt out”, this means your student will not be eligible to receive a Cal Grant. In order to “opt-out”, please complete the attached form (see below) and return to Ms. Aldrete via email at maldrete@davincischools.org no later than September 25th, 2024.

If you do not return the “opt-out” form, Da Vinci Communications will submit your student’s verified GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to determine your student’s Cal Grant eligibility.

To obtain an opt-out form click on this link:  GPA Opt Out Form

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Aldrete via email at maldrete@davincischools.org.

Good morning DVC students and families,

This year, DVC will be providing transportation to the 12th annual Latino College Expo happening Saturday, September 14th!  At the expo, you’ll find a variety of exhibitor booths representing colleges, universities, trade schools, and other educational institutions. These booths often have representatives from the institutions who can answer questions about their programs, admission requirements, financial aid, and scholarships. The expo may offer workshops and seminars on topics such as college application strategies, financial aid and scholarships, career planning, and more. These sessions are typically conducted by experts in the field.

Pickup will be at 9 AM on the 201 N. Douglas campus in front of the school building and we expect to arrive back by 2:10 PM. Students must bring their own lunch or bring money to purchase food on campus.

We only have 35 spots available and are first-come, first serve basis for current Juniors and Seniors.

If interested in attending, please pick up a field trip slip from Mrs. Aldrete and all forms are due Wednesday, September 11th or until all spots are filled.

Mrs. Aldrete

College and Career Counselor

Good afternoon DVC students and parents,

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!

*VERY IMPORTANT*

Da Vinci Schools will be assisting with sign-ups by hosting an application workshop in the RWL Center computer lab 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

**

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

**

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

If interested in signing up for the following classes, you can attend the application workshop OR schedule an appointment with Ms. Aldrete via Calendly before Monday, 8/26 in order to submit the Fall 2024 application on time:

https://calendly.com/aldretedvc

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For more information click on the following links:

Applying to El Camino College

Do I Need to Apply Again?

Application for Admission Help

Dual Enrollment Application

Best,

Mrs. Aldrete

College and Career Counselor

DVC 10th – 12th grade students, and the Class of 2024, can access their Da Vinci Communications transcript using Parchment!

Students can log-in using their Da Vinci Communications email address and password.

Parchment provides you with the ability to request official transcripts online and have them sent electronically and securely to colleges, universities, or scholarship programs that you select.  You can also send them to yourself!  After you make your request, your official high school transcript will be processed.  When your request has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation. Please click on this link to visit Parchment and request your transcripts: Da Vinci Communications Transcript Request | Parchment

Class of 2024

Your final high school transcript will be sent by the end of this week to the college you reported in Naviance as your final destination college.  Please allow a couple weeks for the college to process your transcript. You can also send an additional copy via Parchment to ensure that the college of your choice received the document.

For any questions, please contact Ms. Aldrete (maldrete@davincischools.org)

Have a great summer!

The DVC Counseling Team

• 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