Hello DVS Senior Families! We are excited to announce the “FAFSA Fridays Workshop Series” This opportunity will be held on the DV Communications (DVC) floor and is open to all Da Vinci Schools senior families:
WHEN:
Friday, November 22nd, 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.)
Friday, December 6th, 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.) *Ayuda en Español*
Friday, January 17th, 2025 (6-7:30 p.m.)
Friday, February 7th, 2025 (6-7:30 p.m.)
Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.
WHERE:
Da Vinci Communications Room 3203
Workshop Description:
Join us for a practical, hands-on FAFSA Workshop designed specifically for parents navigating the FAFSA process for the first time. In this 1 hour and 30-minute session, you’ll learn the essentials of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including what it is, why it matters for your family’s financial planning, and how to complete it accurately and confidently.
We’ll start by breaking down the FAFSA process, covering everything from basic eligibility requirements to deadlines, key documents, and common questions about financial aid. Then, parents will have the chance to practice filling out a sample FAFSA, with guidance from experts available to answer questions in real-time.
What You’ll Gain From This Workshop:
Clear Understanding of FAFSA Basics: Learn the purpose of the FAFSA, how it affects college affordability, and what types of aid your student could qualify for.
Step-by-Step Guidance: We’ll walk you through each section of the FAFSA form, demystifying terms, identifying common challenges, and clarifying exactly what information you’ll need to provide.
Hands-On Practice: Work on a mock FAFSA application to get comfortable with the format and practice identifying tools, documents, and information you’ll need for the real application.
Tools & Tips for Success: Get expert tips on maximizing your student’s financial aid opportunities and take home a checklist of essential resources to keep the process smooth.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel equipped and empowered to tackle the FAFSA with confidence and ensure your student gets access to the financial resources they deserve.
REGISTRATION:
Click HEREto register. Participants should register for ONE workshop as all workshops will cover the same material.
For families who speak Spanish/prefer help in Spanish, register for the December 6th workshop.
Familias que necesitan ayuda en español, por favor regístrense para el 6 de diciembre.
We hope all students had a great CLD Day#2. Students on campus attended various workshops on self-defense, community service, and financial literacy. Students off-campus engaged in learning activities such as working on personal projects, college visits, and studying for upcoming exams. We hope all students had a productive learning day. Please note that whether students were on or off campus today, all students must fill out this Community Learning Day Attendance Form to receive attendance credit. Students who do not fill out the attendance form will be marked absent.
DVS students also had a blast on Thursday with our second annual DaVincella. Seeing the whole school together, having fun, and supporting one another was joyous. We had various clubs represented, students shared their talents in folklorio, singing, rock and metal band performances. We have some very talented students!
Happy Veterans Day! We honor and are grateful to all who have served in the U.S. military. There is no school Monday, November 11th. We wish everyone a great three-day weekend.
Announcements & Reminders for Week 13:
Progress Reports:Grades were updated this week. Progress reports were printed and mailed home, so please check your mailboxes in the next week or so. There are 5 weeks left of instruction for this semester. All coursework and grading information will continue to be through Canvas at https://davincischools.instructure.com.
Da Vinci Schools Fall Surveys: We value your feedback! Parents/guardians and students should have received an email from Kelvin Education with a survey link to provide feedback. Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback.
DVS Parent Association (DVSpa) would love to see you at our next meeting this coming Wed, 11/13 at 5:30pm on Zoom. We’ll be discussing fundraiser ideas for Advisories as well as a brand new Family Community Day we’re planning for March. We are ALSO handing out Gratitude Baskets to staff on 11/22. Please take a moment to write a note of thanks, bring in staff favorite things, or donate funds for these much loved baskets at dvsappreciation@gmail.com. We also need volunteers to help organize and fill them the week of 11/18 – 11/22. Sign up HERE.
SAT/PSAT Score Reports were released this week on November 7th. Students should have received instructions on accessing their scores from College Board if they listed an email for score reporting. If not, scores can be accessed through your College Board account at this link. PDF of score reports will also be mailed home with progress reports. Here are some resources to help understand scores:
Communication Workshop:Join us for a Communication Workshop complete with FREE Raising Canes and activities! DVS, in partnership with Whole Human Wellness Therapy, is excited to present a family communication workshop designed to help participants connect more deeply with themselves and their family members. This workshop is open to all Da Vinci high school students, families, and staff and will take place on the Da Vinci Science floor (2nd floor, 201 N. Douglas Street) on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Free food and fun activities will be provided. If possible, please RSVP at this link.
All WDV HS Open Mic: Join us for WDV’s fall Open Mic open to students from ALL WDV high schools Tue, 11/19 at 4pm in the ATRIUM at the 201 N. Douglas St. campus! WDV open mics aim to be a safe space for new and beginning performers to perform in front of a welcoming audience—but all experience levels are welcome! Refreshments will be provided, plus: all performers will be entered into a raffle to win a FREE pair of headphones!Here is the link to sign up, and we hope to see you there!
Cardiac Screening Health Promotion Event:Da Vinci Schools in partnership with Saving Hearts Foundation and UCLA presents a FREE cardiac screening event Saturday, November 16, 2024. Come get an EKG, see a cardiologist on the spot if any abnormalities are detected for immediate follow up. Pre-register now at this link! Walk-ins welcome, those with appointments seen first!
The Da Vinci Schools Song Contest:Submissions close 12/1, winners announced on 12/15. Please click here for submissions and full contest rules + regulations.
Honors Enrollment:Students who submitted their Honors Contracts on time and committed to pursuing honors have been enrolled in the corresponding honors course on PowerSchool. Please note that honors courses on PowerSchool will not have a grade until the end of the semester. Until then, please refer to the original course for students’ current grades.
Week 13 College Rep Visit:On Tuesday, November 12th, we welcome Woodbury University to DVS. This is the last college rep visit for the semester. This meeting will be in Mr. Perez’s Room during lunchtime. Students from all grade levels (9-12) are welcome!
Week 13 Schedule (11/11-11/15):
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day – No School
Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Competition
Wednesday, 11/13 DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 5:40pm on Zoom
Students in SWE and Robotics had an opportunity to visit AltaSea- Students got to see 3D concrete printers being used for offshore anchoring systems, kelp research, and eco-waste surfboards
Students had a blast at DaVincella!
HBS students modeling the flow of ions in a neuron during an action potential
Join us for a Family Communication Workshop complete with FREE Raising Canes and activities!
DVS, in partnership with Whole Human Wellness Therapy, is excited to present a family communication workshop designed to help participants connect more deeply with themselves and their family members.
This workshop is open to all Da Vinci high school students, families, and staff.
What a fun week full of Spirit! Staff and students enjoyed being creative with their outfits and costumes to show during this week’s Spirit Week. We hope students enjoyed the day after Halloween and had a restful PD day. DVS Staff had a productive professional development day learning about how our strengths can be utilized to leverage strengths in all of our students.
Tonight is our Da Vinci Masquerade Ball Dance, we are looking forward to a fun and safe time! Tickets have been pre-purchased, however, permission slips and tickets are still available at the door. The dance begins at 6:00 tonight.
Next week is another 4-day schedule due to CLD Day #2.
DVS Family Coffee Time: This month’s DVS Families Coffee Time will be held on Wednesday, November 6th, from 4:15-5:15. Join us in-person at DVS or use this Zoom link.
Week 12 College Rep Visits:All meetings will be in Mr. Perez’s Room during lunchtime. Students from all grade levels (9-12) are welcome!
Monday, November 4th: Santa Monica College
Tuesday, November 5th: Portland State University
Da Vinci Schools Fall Surveys:We value your voice and input. Parents/guardians and students, you should receive an email from Kelvin Education during the first week of November with a survey link to provide feedback. Please look in your inbox for “Kelvin Education” to fill out the survey. Students will see a dog icon pop up on their DV Google accounts in the Chrome browser when the surveys are ready to be taken. Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback.
DVS Parent Association Gratitude Baskets:As we approach the heartwarming season of Thanksgiving, the DVS Parent Association is excited to continue the tradition of organizing Thanksgiving Gratitude Baskets which will be delivered to our wonderful staff. Each basket will be thoughtfully filled with items our staff love, alongside heartfelt words of appreciation from our DVS community. Here’s how you can get involved:
Monetary contributions – Cash can be dropped off to the front office or gift cards can be emailed to dvsappreciation@gmail.com between now and November 19th.
Craft handwritten notes of thanks and encouragement for our staff. You can drop these notes off at the front office.
Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to sign up to assist in assembling the baskets.
Cardiac Screening Health Promotion Event:Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. While often linked to chronic medical conditions, SCA alarmingly stands as the leading cause of death among athletes and on school campuses. 1 in 300 young individuals harbors an undetected heart condition, significantly heightening their risk of SCA. Da Vinci Schools in partnership with Saving Hearts Foundation and UCLA presents a FREE cardiac screening event Saturday, November 16, 2024. Come get an EKG, see a cardiologist on the spot if any abnormalities are detected for immediate follow up. Pre-register now at this link! Walk-ins welcome, those with appointments seen first!
The Da Vinci Schools Song Contest:Calling all songwriters, lyricists, musicians, and producers for the first-ever “Da Vinci Schools Song Contest!” We are looking for a song that embodies the spirit of the Da Vinci community, using original lyrics and music. Submissions close 12/1, winners announced on 12/15. Please click here for submissions and full contest rules + regulations.
Da Vinci is proud to serve as a Voting Center for the 2024 Election. The Hall of Champions corridor in the WDV Gym at 201. N. Douglas St. will be open for voting for the very first time starting Saturday, Nov. 2 through Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Week 12 Schedule (11/4-11/8):
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, 11/6 DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:30pm on Zoom
Thursday, 11/7 DaVinchella during Advisory and after school 2:34-5:00pm
Friday, 11/8 Community Learning Day #2
Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day – No School
Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Competition
Wednesday, 11/13 DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 5:40pm on Zoom (link TBA)
Good afternoon! A college fair opportunity for students. Details are below:
The Black College Summit
Date: This Thursday, October 31st
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Holman United Methodist Church: 3320 Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90018
Workshops: Scholarships, Campus Culture and What Parents Should Know Before their Child Leaves for College.
The Summit will be held on Halloween, but the best treat is Acceptance to College! There will be over 20 Historically Black College and University (HBCUs) Admissions representatives attending from their institutions who will provide vital school information. Some colleges will offer on-site admissions and scholarships. Students should bring five copies of their transcripts and ACT/SAT scores, if applicable. Please work with your respective grade-level counselor to request transcripts:
We had another smooth week at DVS! Seniors started the week with college visits to UCI and Cal State Fullerton. They had a great time experiencing college life and visiting with DVS alumni.
This week was Red Ribbon Week with the theme, “Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free.” Students were given information and training to be drug-free and made drug-free pledges. Thank you, Mercy Health Group, for teaching all students about the importance of staying healthy and having a drug-free future.
Last week, Da Vinci’s Robotics Team participated in the Tidal Wave Pre-Season competition. Rookie and veteran team members did great and made it to the Semi-Finals! Team 4201 is looking forward to a fun and challenging year ahead. Go Vitruvian Bots!
We have a four-day week next week. No school this Friday, 11/1, due to Professional Development Day.
Announcements & Reminders for Week 11:
Spirit Week: Next week is DVS’s Fall 2024 Spirit Week! Students and staff are encouraged to show school spirit and join in the festivities following the theme of the day. Please note that the school dress code still applies during this week.
Monday, 10/28: Meme Day
Tuesday, 10/29: Dress to Impress Day
Wednesday, 10/30: Tacky Tourist
Thursday, 10/31: Halloween
Wellness Screener: In an effort to be more proactive in supporting students’ mental health, a wellness screener will be given on October 22nd and October 29th to all students during advisory at Da Vinci Science HS 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 this Opt-Out Form by Friday, October 18th.
Week 11 College Rep Visits:All College Rep. Visits occur on campus during lunchtime in the Galileo room. We encourage interested students to attend and learn more about the many excellent college options out there.
Tuesday, 10/29 UC San Diego
Wednesday, 10/30 Biola University
The Da Vinci Schools Song Contest:Calling all songwriters, lyricists, musicians, and producers for the first-ever “Da Vinci Schools Song Contest!” We are looking for a song that embodies the spirit of the Da Vinci community, using original lyrics and music. All genres are accepted, final submission can be a music demo quality and will be judged by a panel of three industry professionals. Winners will receive a professionally produced song and the opportunity for their song to be played at numerous school functions and events. Submissions close 12/1, winners announced on 12/15. Please click here for submissions and full contest rules + regulations.
Band Bash: Halloween Smash:Band Bash is BACK! Join all DV schools for the extra spooky, “Band Bash: Halloween Smash,” where five student bands will take the stage to play original music and get everyone in the Halloween spirit—costumes are encouraged! Food and snacks will also be provided by student leadership groups and available for purchase outside of the Black Box. “Band Bash: Halloween Smash” takes place on Halloween (10/31) from 4-6pm in the Black Box.
CLD Day: We hope everyone had a productive CLD day last month. The next CLD day is fast approaching! All students are required to sign up and indicate their plans for the next CLD Day, Friday, November 8th. The deadline to sign up is this Sunday, Oct. 27th. If you have not done so already, please do so now (even if your CLD plan is to do a stay at home/off campus learning day.
Calculus students using motion detectors to graph their position and observe how motion affects the graph
Sophomores participating in Revolutionary Rountable project where they took on the role of a historical figure and analyzed modern examples of democracy
The Riordan Saturday Business Institute is a five (5) session program designed to introduce 9th and 10th-grade students attending high school in Los Angeles, to topics in business, careers, and how to prepare for college early. The cost-free program is a great way for students to enrich their learning outside the classroom and engage with like-minded students. All sessions, except one, will be held virtually. Apply here !!
Application deadline is November 15, 2024
Eligibility
Current 9th or 10th-grade student
Student must be attending high school in Los Angeles
What a week to celebrate the growth and learning of our amazing DVS students!
We started the week with a school-wide SAT/PSAT School Day. We are proud of students for taking advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, practice their test taking skills, and enact their testing stamina.
Thank you to all of the parents/guardians, family members, and students who participated in this week’s Student-Led Conferences. We hope your SLC provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection, calibration, and action planning. We value our families’ ongoing partnership in our students’ education and development.
Announcements & Reminders for Week 10:
Wellness Screener: In an effort to be more proactive in supporting students’ mental health, a wellness screener will be given on October 22nd and October 29th to all students during advisory at Da Vinci Science HS 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 this Opt-Out Form by Friday, October 18th.
Red Ribbon Weekwill be celebrated at Da Vinci next week, 10/21-10/25! Red Ribbon Week is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs and celebrate healthy lifestyle choices and habits.
For students:
DVS students will receive a presentation during their English class that will explore the impact of opioids on our community. Important information to foster understanding and awareness as well as helpful prevention strategies will be shared.
Students can participate in the National Family Partnership Red Ribbon Week photo contest to win a free iPad. Go to www.redribbon.org for more information.
For parents and the community:
Resources were posted in a recent DVS blog post (linked here).
Da Vinci Schools will be hosting a mobile vaccination clinic for the Flu shot, COVID booster, and TDAP vaccine in the Da Vinci Schools Black Box from 3:30-6:30pm on Wednesday, 10/23. Walk-ins welcome! Students under 18 will need a consent form completed by their parent/guardian.
DVS Parent Association:Thank you to all the DVS parents who came out for the first DVS Parent Association (DVSpa) meeting on Wednesday, 10/16! Here are the slides from the meeting including links to sign up for this year’s projects. Sign up on this form to join the DVSpa mailing list, and this form to express your interest to volunteer for DVSpa. Information about November Gratitude Baskets will be coming soon. The next DVSpa meeting is November 13th, 5:30pm on Zoom.
Week 9 College Rep Visits:As always, students from all grade levels (9-12) are welcome!
Tuesday, October 22nd: UC Irvine and NYU*
Thursday, October 24th: Syracuse University
UCI and Syracuse University rep visits will be in Mr. Perez’s Room during lunchtime. *The NYU rep visit will be at another DV Campus. Please meet Mr. Perez in the atrium (at the top of the orange stairs) and he will walk students to the visit.
Week 10 Schedule (10/21-10/25):
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday – Friday, 10/21 – 10/25 Da Vinci Red Ribbon Week
Monday, 10/21 12th Grade College Field Trip
Monday – Thursday, 10/28 – 10/31 DVS Spirit Week
Friday, 11/1 PD Day – No School for students
Wednesday, 11/6 DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:30pm on Zoom
Friday, 11/8 Community Learning Day #2
Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day – No School
Wednesday, 11/13 DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 5:40pm on Zoom (link TBA)
Ms. Taube’s Teletaubes and Ms. Jessi’s Jellyfish had their 3rd annual Tele-Jellies Advisory Dinner at CPK.
Olivia and Kendra representing DVS at Girls Volleyball Senior Night!
11th Grade PLTW Civil Engineering & Architecture students went on a water and transportation tour.
Mr. Jeremy Wong, DVS biomedical science teacher, was invited to attend the Meta Educator Community Summit in Menlo Park!
9th grade physics Mu of the Shoe friction lab using force sensors to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between different shoes and surfaces as well as relationship between weight and friction.
Students are getting ready for Red Ribbon Week® here at Da Vinci celebrated Oct 21-25th. What Is Red Ribbon Week? It is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs and celebrate healthy lifestyle choices and habits. We hope to have students show their personal commitment to a drug-free and healthy lifestyle through participation in various activities October 21 – 25th. Da Vinci students will see health related content in class through presentations, have an opportunity to learn how to use the life saving medication Narcan for opioid overdoses, take part in a Free vaccination clinic as a preventative health activity and engage in open dialogues around the importance of healthy choices.
This year’s theme is: “Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free”. We hope to strengthen anti-drug-use attitudes and norms through sharing information. Please partner with us and discuss this message at home, at the dinner table, at family outings, and with friends and extended family. Ask your child to tell you about things they hear at school about Red Ribbon Week®!
Save the date Wednesday, October 23rd 330-630pm Da Vinci Schools is hosting a mobile vaccination clinic for those wanting a free Flu shot, updated COVID booster, or TDAP! Located at 201 N Douglas Street in the Blackbox, walk-ins are welcome! Bring your insurance card and students under 18 can walk in if they have a consent form completed by parent.
One fun way to start or continue the conversation about drug prevention and healthy lifestyle choices with your children AND have a chance to win an iPad? National Family Partnership is sponsoring a photo contest. The photo contest is free and you could win an iPad and $1,000 for our school!!Log onto www.redribbon.org and find out more!
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Wiseburn Da Vinci Soccer Field at 201 N. Douglas Street, which has generated immense excitement throughout our community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place this Monday, Oct. 21 at 4:45 pm. Following the ceremony, we invite you to watch the WDV Boys Soccer practice.
Everyone is invited to the ribbon-cutting of our new state-of-the-art facility!! We look forward to sharing this beautiful new space with our students, families, and the broader community.
This project is made possible through the support of Wiseburn USD Measure EE funds.
