Da Vinci Science

Highlights from the Week:

Club Fair

Llama Advisory Dinner at Gen Korean BBQ

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Week 4 Schedule

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Grace Long

Thank you for a great Back-to-School Night! We enjoyed seeing parents & guardians on campus and appreciate you all taking the time to get to know your student’s teacher and coursework. Hopefully you got a small taste of what your student’s day-to-day looks like. We look forward to getting to know our new parents & families this year!

This Week’s Schedule is a 3-day week! There is no school on September 7th and 11th due to the Labor Day Holiday on Monday and a Professional Development Day for staff on Friday.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

This Week’s Announcements

Honors: Most honors courses at DVS are not a separate period but are integrated into the regular coursework. This week, teachers shared what honors will look like in their courses for this school year. Specific honors requirements for each course can be found in this Honors Programs & Contracts doc. Contract links will continue to be updated as they are available. Below is the timeline for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Honors Contracts due: Friday, September 18th, 2026
- Honors Commitment Deadline: Friday, October 16th, 2026

Club Fair: Our annual Club Fair is happening next Thursday, 9/10 during Advisory and lunch, and we would love your support in encouraging your student to explore the many ways to get involved! All club applications have been processed, and our official club website —featuring the full list of active clubs—will also go live on Canvas and the DVS website next week!
College Counseling:
- Latino College Expo: DVS is excited to participate in the 13th Annual Latino College Expo on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the University of La Verne! Students of all grade levels are welcome to attend, and students do not need to identify as Latino/Latinx to participate. The Expo will feature representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities. We will depart from DVS promptly at 9:00 a.m. and are expected to return by 2:30 p.m. Students should bring their own lunch or money to purchase food on campus. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students interested in attending should pick up a field trip permission slip from Ms. Marquez. Permission slips are due by Wednesday, September 9 at 3:30 p.m. to Ms. Marquez, or until all available spots are filled.
- UC Merced College Rep Visit will be on Wednesday, September 9th. All college rep visits take place at lunchtime in Mr. Perez’s classroom. All grade levels are welcome!
- College Planning Information Sessions: The DVS Counseling Team will be holding college planning info. sessions. Come learn about graduation requirements, DVS pathways, college admission criteria, types of colleges and career options, financial aid/scholarships and more! 9th grade- 11th grade sessions will be held via Zoom (link will be posted closer to date) and the 12th grade session will be held in-person on the DVS campus. All DVS students and families are invited to attend. You may RSVP here.
  - 9th grade: Tuesday, October 6th 5:30pm-6:30 pm via ZOOM
  - 10th grade: Tuesday, October 29th 5:30pm-6:30 pm via ZOOM
  - 11th grade: Tuesday, September 22nd 5:30pm-6:30 pm via ZOOM
  - 12th grade: Tuesday, September 15th from 5:30pm-6:30 pm held in-person on the DVS Campus
- Parent Advisory Committee – The Parent Advisory Committee, previously known as the School Site Council (SSC), is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, analyze data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are a parent or guardian interested in joining our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), please fill out the Parent Advisory Committee PAC Interest Form by Monday, September 22nd. PAC meetings will be held on the following Wednesdays: 10/14, 12/9, 2/3, 4/14, and 5/19 from 4:15-5:15 on Zoom.

Parent Association

- DVSPA Merch: Parents, it’s time to rep your Da Vinci Science pride! We’re now taking orders for T-shirts and classic hoodies, with hopes of adding a zip-up hoodie option in early September. And the best part? Every purchase gives back! Order your T-Shirts and Hoodies TODAY!
- Save the Date: DVSPA meeting Wed, 9/16. All DVS parents/guardians welcome. You don’t need to “join,” just come meet your fellow DVS parents and talk all things DVS. In the Galileo room at 6pm (on the DVS floor).
- Join the DVS Parents’ online community, a private Facebook group monitored by the DVS Parent Association. Ask questions to other DVS Parents/Guardians, get updates on DVSPA service projects and more. Search for “DaVinci Science Parents” with the green banner and answer a few required questions to join.
- Would you like to get DVSPA info and updates? Click this link to sign up for more info or to ask any questions.

SAT/PSAT School Day: Wednesday, October 21st is the SAT/PSAT School Day at Da Vinci Science. Testing on this day is paid for by the school and free for DVS students. Some information to note about SAT/PSAT School Day:
- See below for which test will be administered to each grade level.
- 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
- 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
- 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT (option to opt-in to SAT)
- 12th Grade: SAT (opt-in)
- Both PSATs and the SAT are digitally administered. Students will be using school Chromebooks.

SAT for 11th and 12th Grade: DVS 11th and 12th grade students will have the option to opt-in to take the SAT during the DVS SAT/PSAT School Day on Monday, October 13th, free of charge to the student, by signing up on this Fall 2026 DVS Opt-in SAT School Day Interest Form (DV account required) by Friday, September 12th. Please note that 11th grade students opting to take the SAT means they would not be taking the PSAT/NMSQT, which is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship.
- There will be another SAT School Day in the spring for 10th and 11th grade students, but participation will be fully opt-in and require a fee. Date and details TBD.
- More info about the day (schedule, etc.) will be released closer to the date. Questions should be directed to Saya, DVS Assistant Principal (swai@davincischools.org).

- FREE Practice SAT/PSAT & Results Seminars: PJ Test prep is offering FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test & Results Seminars via Zoom on September 26th and November 27th . PJ Test Prep is a small, boutique SAT/ACT prep and tutoring company based here in the South Bay and West LA that has been providing support to DVS students during Test Prep Seminar for several years. Sign up for the seminars at this link.

American Mathematical Competition: DVS will be administering the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 and 12 on Friday, November 13th, 2025, from 2:30pm-4:00pm after school to those who sign up.The AMC 10/12 is the first in a series of competitions that may eventually lead to the International Mathematical Olympiad. Find out more at this link. Interested students should sign up via this form by Friday, September 25th (DV account required).
Student Board Advisor Applications: Student Board applicants must submit their applications by Friday, September 18th, to be considered. Selections will be made by site administrators and shared by Friday, September 25th. Student Board Advisor and/or Student Board Coordinator Application Application

Important Upcoming Dates:

Monday, 9/7 Labor Day Holiday – No School
Wednesday, 9/9 Lunch Open Mic
Thursday, 9/10 Club Fair
Friday, 9/11 Professional Development Day – No School
Saturday, 9/12 Latino College Expo
Wednesday, 9/16 Grade Checks
Wednesday, 9/16 Parent Association Meeting 6:00pm @ DVS
Friday, 9/18 Honors Contracts due
Monday, 9/21 Career Learning Day #1

Helpful Links:

Highlights from the Week:

Great to see parents and families at Back to School Night!

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Week 3 Schedule

Posted on August 29, 2026 by Grace Long

It’s been a busy and fun-filled first two weeks of school! Last week ended with DVS’s annual signature practice of the Freshmen Overnighter. 9th graders and Advisory Leaders had a great time at the Overnighter. The theme was “FIFA: It takes Teamwork to be the best that we can be; you can lean on and trust your teammates.” The students did a great job participating and engaging in this special time to plunge into DVS school culture. For those who remained on campus, students still had a great week of learning, with hopefully a bit more quiet and space during passing periods.

Week 3 will also be a busy week. We will be launching Seminars and we have Back to School Night on Thursday, September 3rd. Looking forward to seeing parents & guardians on campus this week at BTSN!

This Week’s Schedule:

This Week’s Announcements

Back to School Night: DVS BTSN will be Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Parents/guardians will receive an email with their student’s schedule to visit each class.

Class of 2030 Senior Portrait Make-Up Dates are October 3rd and October 4th! If your student is a current senior, and they missed the chance to take their senior portraits during the summer, you can sign up here: https://book.usesession.com/i/BVNtg0TnF
Seminars: Students completed their seminar requests this week. Those requests will be used to build seminar schedules, then seminars will begin on Monday, August 31st. Schedules will be passed out that day during an earlier class period. There will be an opportunity after seminars begin to request a seminar change.
Benchmark Testing: Students in all grade levels will continue to complete ELA and math standardized benchmark assessments (NWEA MAP) during August and September. These benchmark assessments provide valuable information on student levels and growth to inform our classroom practice and supports. We encourage students to get plenty of rest, have a healthy breakfast, and to do their best!
Student Board Applications: Student Board applicants must submit their applications by Friday, September 18th, to be considered. Selections will be made by site administrators and shared by Friday, September 25th. Student Board Advisor and/or Student Board Coordinator Application Application
College Representative Visits will begin next week and continue throughout the fall semester! These visits provide students with a valuable opportunity to learn more about colleges and universities directly from admissions representatives. Students are encouraged to attend and learn more about each university’s academic programs, majors, student services, and campus opportunities. Students from all grade levels are welcome! Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, if you have questions.Next week, DVS will welcome the following two college representatives in Mr. Perez’s room during lunch.
- Tuesday, September 1: Cal Poly Humboldt
- Friday, September 4: University of Arizona

Latino College Expo: DVS is excited to participate in the 13th Annual Latino College Expo on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the University of La Verne! Students of all grade levels are welcome to attend, and students do not need to identify as Latino/Latinx to participate. The Expo will feature representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities, including public and private institutions, independent colleges, military programs, and trade schools. Students will have the opportunity to:

- Connect with college admissions representatives
- Learn about academic programs, career pathways, and college resources
- Attend informative seminars, including “Booming Careers,” “Preparing for College,” “Benefits of Going Away to College,” “411 for Student Athletes,” and more
- Explore opportunities for on-the-spot admission, application fee waivers, and scholarships at participating colleges

We will depart from DVS promptly at 9:00 a.m. and are expected to return by 2:30 p.m. Students should bring their own lunch or money to purchase food on campus. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students interested in attending should pick up a field trip permission slip from Ms. Marquez. Permission slips are due by Wednesday, September 9 at 3:30 p.m. to Ms. Marquez, or until all available spots are filled.

Parent Association

- DVSPA Merch: Parents, it’s time to rep your Da Vinci Science pride! We’re now taking orders for T-shirts and classic hoodies, with hopes of adding a zip-up hoodie option in early September. And the best part? Every purchase gives back! Order your T-Shirts and Hoodies TODAY!
- Save the Date: DVSPA meeting Wed, 9/16. All DVS parents/guardians welcome. You don’t need to “join,” just come meet your fellow DVS parents and talk all things DVS. In the Galileo room at 6pm (on the DVS floor).
- Join the DVS Parents’ online community, a private Facebook group monitored by the DVS Parent Association. Ask questions to other DVS Parents/Guardians, get updates on DVSPA service projects and more. Search for “DaVinci Science Parents” with the green banner and answer a few questions to join.
Freshmen Overnighter pictures can be found here on the Da Vinci Photos Gallery.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Monday, 8/31 First Day of Seminars for Fall 2026
Thursday, 9/3 Back-to-School-Night
Monday, 9/7 Labor Day (no school)
Thursday, 9/10 Club Fair
Friday, 9/11 PD Day (no school for students)

Helpful Links:

Highlights from the Week:

Freshmen Overnighter

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Week 2 Schedule

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Grace Long

And we’re back! It’s hard to believe this was just the first week back to school. The students did a great job getting in back-to-school mode, adjusting to their new schedules, and welcoming our new students to DVS. The learning has begun and we are excited for a great school year!

This Week’s Schedule:

This Week’s Announcements

Freshmen Overnighter: The Freshmen Overnighter is next week, Thursday – Friday, 8/27-8/28! Advisory Leaders leave on Wednesday, 8/26. If you have not already, please make sure your 9th grader has submitted their field trip permission slip, code of conduct, and Camp Pondo Release form to Ms. Choi ASAP. If your 9th grader needs access to any medication, the Medication Authorization Form is also required. The Overnighter info document can be found here.
Upcoming Emergency Drills: The 201 N. Douglas Street campus where DVS resides will be doing a series of planned safety drills during this semester, starting with a fire drill next Tuesday, August 25th. By practicing these procedures in advance, we help ensure that everyone knows what to do in order to respond calmly and effectively in the unlikely event of a real emergency. As you know, preparation is key to minimizing fear, confusion, and risks. We will be reviewing emergency procedures during Tuesday announcements for the next couple of weeks, but we also encourage you to talk to your students as well.

Class of 2030 Senior Portrait Make-Up Dates are October 3rd and October 4th! If your student is a current senior, and they missed the chance to take their senior portraits during the summer with our wonderful photographer, Stacee Lianna, new make-up dates have been added. Families can sign up here: https://book.usesession.com/i/BVNtg0TnF
Schedule Change Requests: Thank you for your patience as counselors have been working hard on schedules. Students have until Friday, August 28th to submit course requests. Please note, our classes are full, and although we do our best to meet the requests of all students, class sizes are limited. Schedule Change Requests
Seminars: Students completed their seminar requests this week. Those requests will be used to build seminar schedules, then seminars will begin on Monday, August 31st. Schedules will be passed out that day during an earlier class period. There will be an opportunity after seminars begin to request a seminar change.
Back to School Night: DVS BTSN will be Thursday, September 3rd from 5:30-7:30. Parents & Guardians will be provided a copy of their student’s schedule to visit each class.

Parent Association

- DVSPA Merch: Parents, it’s time to rep your Da Vinci Science pride! We’re now taking orders for T-shirts and classic hoodies, with hopes of adding a zip-up hoodie option in early September. And the best part? Every purchase gives back! Order your T-Shirts and Hoodies TODAY!
- Save the Date: DVSPA meeting Wed, 9/16. All DVS parents/guardians welcome. You don’t need to “join,” just come meet your fellow DVS parents and talk all things DVS. In the Galileo room at 6pm (on the DVS floor).
- Join the DVS Parents’ online community, a private Facebook group monitored by the DVS Parent Association. Ask questions to other DVS Parents/Guardians, get updates on DVSPA service projects and more. Search for “DaVinci Science Parents” with the green banner and answer a few questions to join.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday, 8/25 Fire Drill 9:30am
Wednesday, 8/26 8/26 Advisory Leaders leave for Overnighter
Thursday – Friday, 8/27-8/28 9th Grade Overnighter
Thursday, 9/3 Back-to-School-Night
Monday, 9/7 Labor Day (no school)
Thursday, 9/10 Club Fair
Friday, 9/11 PD Day (no school for students)

Helpful Links:

Highlights from the Week:

First Day of School

First Week of School:

Sy Surfers, Ichirokus Ichigos, Teletaubes enjoying Advisory

Welcome, Class of 2030!

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Week 1 Schedule

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Grace Long

Welcome Back, Da Vinci Science!

We hope you had a wonderful summer. Thank you to those who were able to join our Welcome Orientation last night. It was great to see students eager and ready to start a new school year with us. We especially enjoyed meeting our new DVS families. Welcome, class of 2030 and transfer students!

Here is the Welcome Orientation Slide Deck from last night for your reference.

The first day of school is Monday, Aug 17, 2026. School begins at 8:50 am. All students will be directed to meet in the West Plaza before heading upstairs with their Advisory.

This Week’s Schedule:

This Week’s Announcements

Parent Association
- Save the Date – DVSPA meeting Wed, 9/16. All DVS parents/guardians welcome. You don’t need to “join,” just come meet your fellow DVS parents and talk all things DVS. In the Galileo room at 6pm (on the DVS floor).

- Join the DVS Parents’ online community, a private Facebook group monitored by the DVS Parent Association. Ask questions to other DVS Parents/Guardians, get updates on DVSPA service projects and more. Search for “DaVinci Science Parents” with the green banner and answer a few questions to join.
Student Schedules: Students will receive a copy of their schedule during Advisory the first day of school. Schedule Change Requests are now open. If you would like to make a change to your schedule, please fill out this Fall 2026 Schedule Change Request form. Please allow your hard-working counselors 1-2 school days to process your request. Note that not all requests can be accommodated, but we will do the best we can. All course requests must be submitted by Friday, August 28th 2:30pm.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday- Wednesday, 8/18 and 8/19: Student Picture Day
Thursday-Friday, 8/27-8/28: Freshmen Overnigher
Thursday, 9/3: Back to School Night

Highlights from the Week:

Staff getting ready for a new school year; Wolfpack Days- Welcome, 9th graders

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Da Vinci Science Welcome Orientation for the 2026-2027 School Year

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Grace Long

Hello Da Vinci Science Families!

We hope you are still enjoying the summer. The school year is fast approaching and we are excited to invite all new and returning families to the DVS Welcome Orientation on Thursday, August 13th, 2026.

This will be a time for families (students and guardians) to come to campus by grade level to hear pertinent school information, receive student schedules, and walk around campus for a self-guided tour to locate classrooms. Some staff and student leaders will be on campus to greet and help you.

If students are unable to attend this event, they will receive their schedules on the first day of school, Monday, August 17th, 2026.

Da Vinci Science’s Welcome Orientation will follow the schedule below.

We ask that you attend the Welcome Orientation strictly during your allotted time slot to ensure there is ample space on our campus, including the parking lot.

9th Grade

5:00-5:45 9th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

5:45-6:15 Schedule Pick-up, Self-Guided Tour of the DVS floor

10th Grade

5:45-6:15 10th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

6:15-6:45 Schedule Pick-up, Self-Guided Tour of the DVS floor

11th Grade

6:15-6:45 11th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

6:45-7:15 Schedule Pick-up, Self-Guided Tour of the DVS floor

12th Grade

6:45-7:15 12th Grade Presentation in the Black Box Theatre

7:15-7:30 Schedule Pick-up, Self-Guided Tour of the DVS floor

We hope to see you there, but if not, we are excited to welcome students back for the Fall 2026 semester on Monday, August 17th, 2026 at 8:50am!

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Save the Dates!

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Grace Long

Hello Da Vinci Science Families!

We hope you are having a wonderful summer. We have enjoyed getting to know our incoming Freshmen students during Wolfpack Days. We look forward to officially welcoming the Class of 2030 to DVS! For now, please save these dates to kick-off the 2026-2027 school year, and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Save the Dates:

DVS Welcome Orientation: Thursday, 8/13 5:00-7:30pm

First Day of School: Monday, 8/17

DVS 9th Grade Overnighter: Thursday – Friday, 8/27 – 8/28

DVS Back-to-School Night: Thursday, 9/3

More details on each event coming soon on this IG account and on the DVS website at DVS.davincischools.org

Wolfpack Days, Summer 2026. Advisory Leaders welcoming Freshmen!

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Happy Summer!

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Grace Long

And that’s a wrap! We hope all of our DVS students and families had an amazing 2025-2026 school year. The last day of school was full of celebration, reflection, farewells, smiles, hugs, some tears, and congratulations as we sent off the Class of 2026.

This year was busy! We are grateful to all of our DVS staff who work tirelessly to provide the best educational experience for our students–and now it is time for staff to rest and rejuvenate this summer. We are also proud of all of our students for completing another school year. To our 9th, 10th, and 11th graders– rest up and enjoy the summer, we will see you in August for another great year! To our Graduates– we will miss you and we wish you the best in the next chapter of your lives! You are always welcome H.O.M.E.

Summer Announcements:

Final Grades and Report Cards: DVS teachers and staff have finalized grades, which are now available for viewing on PowerSchool or Canvas. Report Cards will be mailed home next week.
Summer School: Summer School at DVS is offered for students in need of Credit Recovery. Since grades were finalized today, students and guardians will receive an email on Monday if summer school is needed. Summer School begins on Tuesday, June 16th and ends on Thursday, July 30th.
The DVS 2026-2027 Planning Calendar is available for your planning purposes. Please note, event dates and schedules are subject to change. We appreciate your continued support to ensure vacations and other matters are scheduled outside of school days and hours. Students are expected to be in attendance during school days.
College Essay Writing Workshops for Rising Seniors Class of 2027: Collegewise experts will continue their essay writing workshop for Class of 2027 rising seniors on Thursday, June 18th from 9am-12pm. Here is a brief video and accompanying slides. Please register here. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to get ahead!
The First Day of the 2026-2027 school year is on Monday, August 17th, 2026.

Last Day of School

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

From our DVS Staff: We wish you a wonderful Summer 2026! “Bye” for now!

Congratulations Class of 2026!

Helpful Links:

DVS Planning Calendar 26-27

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Week 38 Schedule

Posted on June 6, 2026 by Grace Long

Last week of school! Thank you to all students and families who continue to have positive attendance and engagement at school. Students have been doing an excellent job with their POLs and Extended Learning Rooms. POL topics have included: culminating content review for 9th and 10th, personal insight questions based on the UC application for 11th, and a variety of Senior Research topics such as the benefits or downfalls of AI, the meaning of life, VR headsets, morals and ethics of computer science, and more for 12th. We also want to thank our guest speakers who gave workshops on interior design, a UCLA scientist, UCLA ambassador, Collegewise counseling, school culture, career exploration, and more! We hope students enjoy the last few days of school-3 days left!

This Week’s Schedule:

* Please note, different Grade Levels may have a slightly different schedule due to POLs. Please refer to Spring 2026 Presentation of Learning Information Families below and/or emails from Grade Level teachers.

This Week’s Announcements:

Attendance Reminder: We are grateful to our families, students, and staff who support and emphasize the importance of daily school attendance. Students are expected to be in attendance at school from 8:50 am to dismissal every day through the last day of the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, June 10th. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect with their peers and teachers. Please continue to take steps to schedule vacations and appointments around school hours, and send your students to school unless they are truly sick.
Powerschool has been turned off as teachers finalize grades. Grades will be finalized by the end of Friday, June 12th. Report Cards will be mailed home the following week.
Presentations of Learning: Please see this Spring 2026 Presentations of Learning Information for Families for more information on POLs, including links to schedules and instructions. Families are invited and encouraged to attend their student’s POL. Students who have perfect attendance during POL week will be entered to win free Jersey Mike’s coupons!
Senior Breakfast Tuesday, June 5th. Graduation rehearsal (mandatory attendance for seniors) will follow senior breakfast.
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony is Thursday, June 11th at 5pm in the Da Vinci Schools gym! All seniors and their parents/guardians received an email with information regarding the ceremony and seating registration last week. Please check your inboxes and direct questions to Liz at ediaz@davincischools.org.
College Essay Writing Workshops for Juniors: Want to take your college essay to the next level? Join Collegewise experts to deep dive into how to make your essay stand out. Students will gain further insight and feedback on their essay. One workshop will run during POL Week (no sign-ups required) and one over the summer on Thursday, June 18th from 9am-12pm. Please register here.
- Here is a brief video and accompanying slides detailing the college essay workshops for juniors.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday, 6/9 Senior Breakfast & Graduation Rehearsal
Wednesday, 6/10 Last Day of the 2025-2026 School Year
Thursday, 6/11 DVS Class of 2026 Graduation @ 5:00 pm
First Day of School 2026-2027 School Year: Monday, August 17th

Helpful Links:

DVS Planning Calendar 25-26