**Please note that FILM 110, HDEV 110, and COMS 100 are open to 9th-12th graders. ENG C1000 is open only to 12th graders. **
Da Vinci Schools will be hosting an application workshop in the Real World Learning Center computer lab this Thursday, January 15th from 3:00pm-5:00 pm. Students should know their SSN# (if they have one) and whether or not their family is considered a military family when they come. If you are unable to attend the workshop, here are the steps to enrollment.
To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, the student will need to be in good academic standing, have no credit recovery for a-g classes, and complete the enrollment process by Thursday, February 5th at 4pm. Space is limited and we are accepting forms on a first come first serve basis!
We hope our students had a restful winter break and enjoyed time with family and loved ones. DVS staff have been working hard this week prepare and welcome students back on Monday. We look forward to a fresh start to the second semester. Students will be starting the day in Advisory.
Welcome back and see you on Monday, January 12th!
This Week’s Schedule
This Week’s Announcements
Fall 2025 Report Cards: were mailed home after the end of the semester, and grades can also be accessed through PowerSchool. Please see this document if you need help accessing PowerSchool.
Grade Correction Policy and Process: According to the DVS Handbook, students have 30 school days from when a grade is received to request a correction. For Fall 2025 grades, this would mean that grade corrections requests will only be accepted through Wednesday, February 25th, 2026. Requests must be emailed to DVS Principal, Grace Long (glong@davincischools.org) and should clearly explain the reason for the request (for example, a grading or calculation error), along with any relevant supporting information. Please note that after review, the final grade may remain unchanged, be raised, or be lowered according to the information available.
DVS Parent Association (DVSPA) Announcements:
Join your fellow DVS Parents and Guardians at the Jan DVSPA meeting, TUESDAY, Jan 27th 5:30 – 6:30 on DVS campus. Come connect with your community while we plan our 2nd Annual Bingo Night and other projects for second semester.
Save the Date – 2nd Annual DVS Parent Bingo Night, Sunday, February 22nd, 5-8pm.
Winter Break has begun! The students did a great job learning and working hard through Semester 1. The semester ended well with impressive POLs, final projects, and finals. Now is the time to rest and recuperate. From our Family to Yours, “Happy Holidays From the DVS Family.”
We wish our families a warm, cozy, and restful Winter Break! We encourage students to lean into pajamas and sweats, catch up on sleep, and enjoy some well-deserved rest over the holidays. We’ll see you in 2026!
This Week’s Announcements
Fall 2025 Report Cards: will be mailed home at the end of next week, we will restore PowerSchool access at that time as well.
Grade Correction Policy and Process: According to the DVS Handbook, students have 30 school days from when a grade is received to request a correction. Requests must be emailed to DVS Principal, Grace Long (glong@davincischools.org) and should clearly explain the reason for the request (for example, a grading or calculation error), along with any relevant supporting information. Please note that after review, the final grade may remain unchanged, be raised, or be lowered according to the information available.
School will be closed during Winter Break: During this time, families may contact the front office via email, and we will respond as soon as possible. The front office will open on Monday, 1/5.
DVS Parent Association (DVSPA) Announcements:
DVSPA Meeting, TUES Jan 27th 5:30 – 6:30pm on DVS campus.
2nd Annual DVS Parent Bingo Night, Sunday, February 22nd, 5-8pm.
Happy last day of instruction! Students were busy finishing up their last projects, assignments, and tests for the semester. We are excited to see our students’ Presentations of Learning next week! Alumni share that POLs is a DV signature practice that they remember and find helpful even after high school. Parents and guardians are welcome to see their student’s POL.
Next week, school dismissal is at 2:25 pm, and it is a four-day week as we gear up for Winter Break!
Week 17 Schedule
This Week’s Announcements
Presentations of Learning: POL is this week! Week 18, 12/15-12/18. Grade Level Teachers provided POL times and assignments. Please see the Presentation of Learning Information for Families Document Fall 2025 for more information on POLs, including links to schedules for 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, as well as the 12th-grade Finals schedule.
PowerSchool will be turned off on Monday as teachers finalize grades. Report Cards will be sent home over the break.
College & Career: This is the last college rep visit for the semester. Please join us at lunchtime in Mr. Perez’s room. This visit will be on Zoom. All grade levels are welcome!
Week 17: College Rep Visit: Wednesday, December 17th: MIT
DVS Parent Association (DVSPA) Announcements:
Save the Date – We are excited to announce DVSPA will be hosting our2nd Annual DVS Parents Bingo Nightto create a space for DVS Parents and Guardians to gather and connect. SAVE THE DATE – Sunday, Feb 22nd, 5-8pm.
DVSPA is revisiting when to do our monthly meetings to see if Wednesdays are still the best day, for the most people. Please completethis short form by Friday, Dec 12, to let DVSPA know which day works best for you to attend meetings or work on service projects. No December meeting. Jan meeting details to come. Have a restful break.
There are only two more weeks left in the semester! Students got right back to work this week. They’ve been busy finishing projects, learning the last unit of study, and engaging in cumulative review of the semester. Next week will be the last week of instruction, followed by POL week. We hope all students finish the semester strong- you’re almost there!
DVS also commends all students who participated in our Youth & Government’s annual Bill Hearing Night that was held Friday, November 21st in the BlackBox theater. Bill Hearing Night celebrates student learning as delegates showcase their research, critical thinking, and communication skills by presenting and defending the bills they’ve crafted. This event, modeled after a formal legislative hearing, fosters civic engagement and deepens students’ understanding of policy-making, preparing them to become informed and active citizens. Congratulations to the Public Goods committee, whose winning bill funds fresh fruits and vegetables grown in CA to families in need.
Week 16 Schedule
This Week’s Announcements
Presentations of Learning: POL week is coming up, Week 18, 12/15-12/18. Grade Level Teachers provided POL times and assignments. Please see the Presentation of Learning Information for Families Document Fall 2025 for more information on POLs, including links to schedules for 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, as well as the 12th-grade Finals schedule.
Families are invited and encouraged to attend their student’s POL.
Please note that attendance is still required every day of POL week. When not presenting or watching presentations during POL week, students will be learning in Extended Learning Rooms. ELR Topics include: A-G & College Prep. Information from counselors, preparing for State Testing, and Career guest speakers.
Students who have perfect attendance during POL week will be entered to win free Jersey Mike’s coupons!
Career Speakers for POL Week: Seeking Career Guest Speakers! Do you have a career that you would love to share with our students? During POL week, we have Extended Learning Rooms for students who are not in POL session. The purpose of ELRs is to provide educational opportunities we may not otherwise have during a regular school day. Many of our students are still exploring the various career options available. Having parents or guest speakers share their experiences would provide our students with exposure to multiple careers. If you are interested or available during POL week, Monday, December 15, to Thursday, December 18, for a 20–30 minute time block, please let us know by filling out this POL Week Career Guest Interest Form. We will reach out to you for more details. Thank you!
HOSA:will be collecting items to donate to local hospitals until December 18! You can drop items off in Jeremy’s room. All items must be new, here are some ideas: Toys (LEGOs, dolls, puzzles), art & craft supplies (crayons, coloring books, play-doh), books for all ages, or tabletop games (Uno, deck of cards), earbuds or headphones.
DVSPA: is revisiting when to do our monthly meetings to see if Wednesdays are still the best day for the most people. Please complete this short form by Friday, Dec.12th to let DVSPA know which day works best for you to attend meetings or work on service projects. No December meeting. Jan meeting details to come. Have a restful break.
FAFSA/CADAA Workshop for DVS Families:We are excited to announce a hands-on FAFSA/CADAA Workshop next week,Tuesday December 9th, from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on the DVS Floor. Come get your financial aid questions answered and submit your FAFSA/CADAA that night! Please RSVP HERE so we know how many computers will be needed. We ask that both student and parent have an FSA ID created and verified before the event. Please contact Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, with any questions: fmarquez@davincischools.org
Yucatan Adventure- Spring Break in México! If you are still planning on joining us, THIS Sunday is the last day to sign up to secure a slot!! After that prices may go up or spaces may be unavailable!
Da Vinci Schools is hosting a hands-on FAFSA/CADAA workshop on our campus, where an El Camino College financial aid representative will be here to answer your financial aid/FAFSA/CADAA questions, help you fill out the applications, and submit that night! This is taking place on the DV Science floor on Tuesday December 9th, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Please RSVP HERE so we know how many computers will be needed.
Please have an FSA ID created and verified before the night. Please CLICK HERE to apply for an FSA ID. Both parent and student need an FSA ID.
Please bring with you on the night:
Social Security Number -parent(s) and student or Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen)
Federal Income Tax Return 2023, W2’s, and other records of money earned (accessible online through an IRS interface, if you filed your 2023 taxes electronically)
Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor: fmarquez@davincischools.org
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you to our DVS Families for the amazing gratitude baskets. Our staff felt so appreciated and got all the warm and fuzzies from receiving them. We will enjoy all the treats and treasure the kind notes from students and families, thank you!
We are full of gratitude for our students and staff, and we hope everyone gets some much-needed rest over the break. Please enjoy quality time with family and loved ones. The school will be closed during the break; however, the front office may be contacted through email Monday-Wednesday from 9:00-4:00 pm (ediaz@davincischools.org; balvarez@davincischools.org). School resumes Monday, December 1st.
On behalf of all DVS Staff, we wish our students and families a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Week 15 Schedule
This Week’s Announcements:
DVSPA – Thank you to all our DVS Families! Your generosity, time, and contributions made our DVS staff feel appreciated.
Career Speakers for POL Week– Seeking Career Guest Speakers! Do you have a career that you would love to share with our students? During POL week, we have Extended Learning Rooms for students who are not in POL session. The purpose of ELRs is to provide educational opportunities we may not otherwise have during a regular school day. Many of our students are still exploring the various career options available. Having parents or guest speakers share their experiences would provide our students with exposure to multiple careers. If you are interested or available during POL week, Monday, December 15, to Thursday, December 18, for a 20–30 minute time block, please let us know by filling out this POL Week Career Guest Interest Form. We will reach out to you for more details. Thank you!
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)- will be collecting items to donate to local hospitals until December 18! You can drop items off in Jeremy’s room. All items must be new, here are some ideas: Toys (LEGOs, dolls, puzzles), art & craft supplies (crayons, coloring books, play-doh), books for all ages, or tabletop games (Uno, deck of cards), earbuds or headphones.
College and Career:A reminder: UC and CSU applications are due December 1st.
This is the last week before the Thanksgiving Break! We hope all families will enjoy family time during the upcoming break. Please note that there are two weeks of instruction after the break, followed by POL/finals week.
Week 14 Schedule
This Week’s Announcements
CLD Attendance 11/10- We hope students had a productive CLD Day on 11/10. A reminder that all students, whether learning they learned from home or attended an on-campus workshop, need to take the “Quiz” on their Canvas page to receive attendance credit. Students who do not complete the quiz will be marked absent.
Career Speakers for POL Week– Seeking Career Guest Speakers! Do you have a career that you would love to share with our students? During POL week, we have Extended Learning Rooms for students who are not in POL session. The purpose of ELRs is to provide educational opportunities we may not otherwise have during a regular school day. Many of our students are still exploring the various career options available. Having parents or guest speakers share their experiences would provide our students with exposure to multiple careers. If you are interested or available during POL week, Monday, December 15, to Thursday, December 18, for a 20–30 minute time block, please let us know by filling out this POL Week Career Guest Interest Form. We will reach out to you for more details. Thank you!
College and Career:TheClass of 2026 is in the thick of college application season. A reminder: UC and CSU applications are due December 1st. It’s time for students to “lock-in” and finish those applications. Please contact Mr. Perez, CCL teacher, rperez@davincischools.org, or Ms. Marquez College & Career Counselor, fmarquez@davincischools.org, for questions or additional information needed for college applications or FAFSA.
DVSPA– Thank you to all families that have made contributions for Staff Gratitude baskets. DVSPA is still taking donations this week and is hoping to make a final push to show our DVS Staff how much we appreciate them. Baskets will be delivered to staff on Friday, November 21st. How You Can Help:
Donate Items Contribute staff favorites—see the list[HERE]. Drop off items at the DVS front office.
Monetary Gifts Cash or gift cards can be dropped off or emailed to dvsappreciation@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 18th. These donations will be used to purchase items for Gratitude Baskets for all staff members.
Notes of Thanks Handwritten messages from parents and students are encouraged and will be included in the baskets.
Volunteer to Assemble Baskets Parents are invited to help fill the baskets! Sign up here: SignUpGenius Volunteer Form Drop-Off Period: Monday, November 3rd – Thursday, November 20th
DVSPA Meeting, Wednesday, 11/19 6pm work/party meeting on campus
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, 11/19 DVSPA work party/meeting, 6pm on campus.
Teachers have been intentional about conferencing with students to elevate their content understanding while also fostering positive relationships with students
The semester is going by quickly! We only have two more weeks until Thanksgiving break, and then two more weeks after the break until POLs. We hope students continue to engage in their learning to have a strong finish to the semester and enjoy the upcoming breaks.
This week is a short week due to CLD Day on Monday and Veterans’ Day on Tuesday. We thank all of our Veterans for their service.
Week 13 Schedule:
This Week’s Announcements
CLD Day- CLD Day #2 is this Monday, 11/10. Here are the 11/10 CLD Workshop Descriptions. All students, whether learning from home or coming to a workshop on campus need to take the “Quiz” on their Canvas page to receive attendance credit. Students who do not complete the quiz will be marked absent.
Grades Update –There will be another grade update this Thursday, 11/13. These grade checks will be used for eligibility for sports and extracurricular activities. It is also a good opportunity to check the status of grades before the Thanksgiving Break so that students can plan accordingly.
DVSPA – It’s that time of year- Gratitude Baskets for our amazing DVS staff.To show our appreciation, the DVS Parent Association is continuing the tradition of Gratitude Baskets, which will be delivered to staff on Friday, November 21st. How You Can Help:
Donate Items Contribute staff favorites—see the list[HERE]. Drop off items at the DVS front office.
Monetary Gifts Cash or gift cards can be dropped off or emailed to dvsappreciation@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 18th. These donations will be used to purchase items for Gratitude Baskets for all staff members.
Notes of Thanks Handwritten messages from parents and students are encouraged and will be included in the baskets.
Volunteer to Assemble Baskets Parents are invited to help fill the baskets! Sign up here:SignUpGenius Volunteer Form
Drop-Off Period: Monday, November 3rd – Thursday, November 20th
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, 11/19 DVSPA work party/meeting, 6pm on campus.
Seniors visited UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton for 12th-grade college visits. It was great to reconnect with DVS Alumni as tour guides
The Filipino Club with Joel Jacinto, former director and founder of the Philippine Folk Arts cultural dance group
El Segundo Physics Network Exhibition: Freshmen creatively and confidently explained how understanding forces and motion can improve the performance of athletes.
Advanced Physicists connecting kinematics and forces to solve multiple choice problems! #testtakingtipswithtaube
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 November 13 and November 18 to all students during advisory 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 Pepperdine therapists. If you would like your student to OPT-OUT and NOT PARTICIPATE in the screener, please fill out the form by Wednesday, November 12th.
