Hello DVS Freshman Families! Please join us THIS WEDNESDAY, 9/18 at 5:30pm on the DVS floor for the 9th Grade Fall Semester Grade Level College Information Session. Flyer below. Click here to reserve your spot!
Week 5: College Rep Visits
Good morning! We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Below are the college reps who will visit DVS this week:
- Monday, 9/16: UC Davis
- Tuesday, 9/17: University of Southern California (USC)
- Wednesday, 9/18: UC Santa Barbara
- Friday, 9/20: Harvey Mudd University
Presentation will be at lunch time in Mr. Perez’s classroom. These presentations are open to all DVS students of all grade levels (9th-12th).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor: fmarquez@davincischools.org
We hope to see you there!
Week 5 Schedule
We hope everyone had a productive and enjoyable PD Day. Due to the San Bernardino Line Fires, we needed to reschedule our overnighter that was scheduled for this week. Thank you, students and families, for your patience and understanding with this. We are close to securing a new date for the Overnighter and will let you know as soon as possible.
We have a regular 5-day week next week!
Announcements & Reminders for Week 5:
- PSAT/SAT School Day: The DVS PSAT/SAT School Day is coming up on Monday, October 14th! Please note this is a revised date. 9th-11th grade students will be taking the PSAT, while 12th-grade students will have the option to opt-in to the SAT (more info will be posted on Canvas next week). All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered.
- 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
- 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
- 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
- 12th Grade: Opt-in to take the SAT
11th-grade students interested in taking the SAT instead of the PSAT/NMSQT should reach out to Saya (swai@davincischools.org) by Monday, September 30th, 2024.
Remember that you can also register to take the SAT outside of the SAT School Day offered at DVS. Register through the College Board at this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration
- Free SAT/ACT Practice Tests through PJ Test Prep: PJ Test Prep is a small, boutique SAT/ACT prep and tutoring company based here in the South Bay and West LA. They have been providing support to DVS students during Test Prep Seminar this semester, and it has been great! Learn more about PJ Test Prep at www.pjtestprep.com. The SAT/ACT Practice Tests & Results Seminar is FREE to all on Zoom and $10 in-person. The next seminars are scheduled for Saturday, September 28th or Sunday, December 1st! RSVP and get more information at www.pjtestprep/rsvp.
- College Planning Information Sessions start next week! We welcome 9th grade students and their families on Wednesday, September 18th at 5:30pm. Come learn more about graduation requirements, pathway courses, college and career options and more! Click here to reserve your spot! Upcoming College Planning Information Sessions:
- 9th Grade: Wednesday, September 18th @ 5:30pm
- 10th Grade: Tuesday, September 24th @ 5:30pm
- 11th Grade: Thursday, September 26th @ 5:30pm
- 12th Grade: Wednesday, October 2nd @ 5:30pm
- College Rep Visits: We are grateful to have college reps on the DVS campus to give students the opportunity to learn about colleges and universities. All college rep visits happen during lunch time in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students of all grade levels (9-12) are welcome. College Rep Visits for Week 5:
- Monday, 9/16: UC Davis
- Tuesday, 9/17: USC
- Wednesday, 9/18: UC Santa Barbara
- Friday, 9/20: Harvey Mudd College
- DVS Parent Advisory Committee: Parent Advisory Committee is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, review data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in joining our DVS Parent Advisory Committee, please complete the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form by Friday, 9/20. PAC Meeting Dates are planned for Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:15-5:15pm on these dates: 9/25, 11/20, 2/12, 3/26, 5/14.
Week 5 Schedule (9/16-9/20):
Important Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, 9/18: 9th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
- Thursday, 9/19: Club Fair during Advisory and lunch
- Friday, 9/20: Honors Contracts Due
- Monday, 9/23: UCLA Blood Drive
- Tuesday, 9/24: 10th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
- Tuesday, 9/24: Picture Make-Up Day
- Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC College Fair Field Trip in Los Angeles
- Thursday, 9/26: 11th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
Helpful Links:
Some Highlights from the Week:
Robotics class started testing our ramp-climbing robots. Next week we will take the angle of the ramp and calculate the effective coefficient of friction.
Python Advisory Dinner
Human Body Systems class using practicing micropipette skills
Intro to Design class, designing and painting while awaiting the new Overnighter dates
The Linton Leopards and the Ichiroku Ice Cubes are trying to win all the gold coins they can!
New Partnership with Hazel Health, a Free Resource for Mental Health Services
Dear Da Vinci Families,
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Hazel Health, an innovative service now available to support the mental health needs of all Da Vinci students in grades TK-12. As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive care and resources, Hazel Health offers access to licensed healthcare professionals and services, both at school and from home.
What is Hazel Health?
Hazel Health connects students with a mental health counselor for virtual visits directly from school, or the comfort of your home, at no cost to families. Hazel Health ensures that your child receives timely care for mental health support.
How it Works
- School-Based Care: Students and families can work with the Da Vinci Counselors to set up appointments for teletherapy at designated times from campus. Students will be supervised in a safe and privatized space for therapy sessions.
- If your student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and there is a concern or question about how this general education offered service would be incorporated into their school day with their current special education programming and services, please contact/consult with Dr. Lynn Rodriguez, Director of Special Education to answer any questions or seek clarification (lrodriguez@davincischools.org). Otherwise, families with an IEP or Section 504 plan should reach out to their case manager/counselor to meaningfully incorporate this service during your day.
- At-Home Care: Families can schedule telehealth visits from home. Appointments are accessible and can be done on your own schedule between 7am-7pm, Monday through Friday.
Services Provided by Hazel Health:
Mental Health Counseling: Hazel Health provides support for anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health concerns.
Why Hazel Health?
- Convenient Access: No need for appointments or travel time. Support is provided virtually when your child needs it.
- No Cost to Families: Services are free for all students at Da Vinci Schools, ensuring that every family has access to care.
- Confidential & Secure: All services are confidential, and student privacy is a top priority.
Getting Started
To begin using Hazel Health, simply complete the consent form listed on the website https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/davincischools. You can also reach out to your school counselor for assistance in signing up. We are thrilled to bring this important resource to our Da Vinci community and are confident that Hazel Health will help us keep students happy, healthy, and ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ well-being.
Best regards,
Erin Whalen
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Da Vinci Schools
ewhalen@davincischools.org
Deadline to submit permission slip to the Latino College Expo has been extended!
Good afternoon DVS Junior and Senior Families !
We still have a limited number of spots available to attend the Latino College Expo happening THIS Saturday, September 14th. We have extended the deadline to submit permission slips to Friday, September 13th at noon or until spots are filled. Since this is a short week, you can turn in permission slips tomorrow, 9/12 to Ms. Marquez or you can email them to her by Friday, 9/13 at noon.
As a reminder, we will depart from 201 N. Douglas promptly at 9:00 am and we expect to arrive back by 2:30 PM. Students must bring their own lunch or bring money to purchase food on campus.
Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, with any questions.
College Planning Information Sessions Start Next Week!
Save the date! The DVS Counseling Team is hosting in-person College Planning Information Sessions starting next week. Click here to reserve your spot!
Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, fmarquez@davincischools.org, if you have any questions.
We hope to see you there!
The DVS Counseling Team
Week 4: College Rep Visits
Hello DVS families,
We hope you had a great weekend! Thank you to all the students who attended our first college rep visit last Friday. This week DVS will host the following college:
Tuesday, 9/10/24 Chapman University
This presentation will be at lunch time in Mr. Perez’s classroom and open to all DVS students of all grade levels (9th-12th).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor: fmarquez@davincischools.org
We hope to see you there!
Week 4 Schedule
We hope all students and families had a great 4-day week of school. Seminars are going well, and we are gearing up for Club Fair Week 5, 9/19. Next week will be another 4-day week for students! Please take note of the special schedule due to PD Day on Friday, September 13th, and the Freshmen Overnighter, September 11-12.
Announcements & Reminders for Week 4:
- Freshmen Overnighter: is happening this week! Overnighter Leaders will leave Tuesday, 9/10, and Overnighter Freshmen Campers will leave Wednesday, 9/11. All students will return on Thursday, 9/12. Information and permission slips have been given in class and posted in Canvas. Here is the link to Overnighter Forms and Permission Slips. Please note that all school policies and expectations apply during the Overnighter. We look forward to spending this precious, formidable, and fun time with the Freshmen!
- Community Learning Days: A message from the Da Vinci Schools Central Office went out regarding CLDs. A CLD slide deck and interest survey went out to students during advisory this week. The first CLD is Oct. 11th. You can go to this blog post to see more details regarding CLD Days from the Central Office.
- Honors Launch Week: was this week! Specific honors requirements for each course can be found in this Honors Programs & Contracts doc.
- Grade Updates: Staff update grades on PD days so grades are up-to-date by the Tuesday of the following week. The first grade update will be Tuesday, 9/17. All coursework and grading information will continue to be through Canvas.
- Student and Parent/Guardian Canvas Link: https://davincischools.instructure.com
- Additional Canvas resources are available at the bottom of the Academics page on our blog.
- Latino College Expo: The Latino College Expo is Saturday, September 14th from 9am-3pm at the University of La Verne and is open to 11th and 12th grade DVS students. Transportation is available, but space is limited. Interested students should get a permission slip from our college and career counselor, Ms. Francisca Marquez (fmarquez@davincischools.org).
- College Planning Meetings: Our counselors will host grade-level specific College Planning Meetings in person on the DVS floor.
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- 9th Grade: Wednesday, September 18th @ 5:30pm
- 10th Grade: Tuesday, September 24th @ 5:30pm
- 11th Grade: Thursday, September 26th @ 5:30pm
- 12th Grade: Wednesday, October 2nd @ 5:30pm
- DVS Parent Advisory Committee: Every school year, DVS forms a new Parent Advisory Committee (formerly known as School Site Council). This is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, review data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in joining our DVS Parent Advisory Committee, please complete the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form by Friday, 9/20. PAC Meeting Dates are planned for Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:15-5:15pm on these dates: 9/25, 11/20, 2/5, 4/2, 5/21.
- Blood Drive: DVS Red Cross Club is partnering with the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center for a blood drive on Monday, September 23rd:
Week 4 Schedule (9/9-9/12):
Important Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday, 9/10: Advisory Leaders leave for Overnighter
- Wednesday, 9/11 – Thursday, 9/12: Freshmen Overnighter
- Friday, 9/13: Professional Development Day – No School
- Wednesday, 9/18: 9th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
- Thursday, 9/19: Club Fair during Advisory and lunch
- Friday, 9/20: Honors Contracts Due
- Monday, 9/23: UCLA Blood Drive
- Tuesday, 9/24: 10th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
- Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC College Fair Field Trip in Los Angeles
- Thursday, 9/26: 11th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
Some Highlights from the Week:
Table Top Seminar- Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: the Gathering taught by Jeremy
Advisory- Wong Warriors cooking up and sharing Ramen together
9th graders are wrapping up their Puzzle Cube projects following the design process, learning Onshape, using Sigma to find the standard deviation, and having fun!
9th Grade Physicists graph matching with a motion detector 
Advanced Physicists solving motion graph problems and play Capture the Physics Flag
Magana’s LLamas having an Advisory Dinner Night Out at Gen
Transfer Welcome Lunch last week- welcome to DVS!
Helpful Links:
First Community Learning Day – October 11th
Dear Da Vinci Families,
We recently shared with you information about an exciting new initiative this school year known as Community Learning Days (CLDs) in response to our community’s desire to provide more opportunities to bring students together across our five high schools. CLDs are all about options and designed to offer students the flexibility to explore their interests and build community with students and staff attending Communications, Connect High, Design, RISE and Science.
With our first CLD approaching on Friday, October 11th, we want to provide you with some important updates:
- This week in Advisory, students learned more about CLDs and took a Student Survey to express their interest in learning experiences/activities for the first two CLDs (Oct. 11 and Nov. 8).
- All students – whether they participate in on-campus or off-campus learning – will have access to free breakfast and lunch.
- On-campus programming will run from 8:30am-12:30pm. We have some exciting on-campus options planned such as college and career workshops, financial literacy, Real World Learning experiences, hands-on learning in the Ceramics Studio, performing arts experiences, athletics activities, community service, and more.
- Students requesting to learn off-campus must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. Permission slips will be provided to students by Sept. 13th.
- During the week of Sept. 23, students will receive notice of enrollment for one of their selected workshops (on-campus) OR receive approval to engage in off-campus learning (permission slip required).
- Oct. 11 is Da Vinci’s first CLD Day!
- During the week of Oct. 21, we will send out a Feedback Survey to hear what you think so we can continue to improve!
As a reminder, there are four CLDs scheduled this school year (Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Feb. 10, Apr. 21). We can’t wait to embark on this exciting new journey together.
Gratefully,
Dr. Matthew Wunder
CEO/Superintendent
Da Vinci Schools
College Rep Visits Start TODAY!
Hello DVS Families! Visits from college representatives start today and will continue throughout the semester.
Mount Saint Mary’s College will be at DVS today, Friday, September 9th. This presentation will be at lunchtime in Mr. Perez’s classroom and is open to all DVS students grade 9th-12th.
Future college representative visits will be included in the “Week Preview.” We encourage students to come learn about the majors, programs and services of universities they are interested in. All grade-levels are welcome!
Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor