Connect HS Newsletter
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Spring 2026 Impact Makers South Bay Cohort- apply today!
Apply to the Impact Makers program- applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort, beginning March 3, 2026:
Program Overview
Impact Makers – Building Skills for Life is a 12-week leadership and community service program for high school students. Through engaging group sessions, participants explore leadership, identity, community issues, and mental health awareness, then put their skills into action by volunteering to create a real impact.
Group Sessions
Dates: March 3 – May 19, 2026
Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: The Volunteer Center, 1230 Cravens Ave., Torrance, CA 90501
Volunteer Service
Students also volunteer 2 hours per week at a placement site to apply their learning through hands-on service.
Eligibility & Cost
Open to all current high school students
Free for all participants
Apply
To learn more and apply, visit: volcenter.org/joinimpactmakers
Please see attached flyer for more info!
If you have any questions or need additional details, please reach out!
The Volunteer Center South Bay/Harbor/Long Beach
1230 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 212-5009
volcenter.org | Follow us on Facebook, & Instagram
Spring 2026 Da Vinci / El Camino Course Offerings
Da Vinci Schools is partnering with El Camino College to offer dual enrollment courses in the Spring 2026 term. El Camino’s spring term classes begin on February 16, 2026. Students who have never completed the El Camino College application should do so before the end of January.
To be eligible to take a dual enrollment class, students need to be in grades 10-12 and be in good academic standing. Space is limited. Contact Sylvia Soria for details, ssoria@davincischools.org.
| 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. |
| HDEV 110 – Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life
3 units |
This course provides an exploration of cognitive, psychological, social and physical factors influencing success. Topics include personal responsibility, critical thinking, motivation, self-efficacy, lifelong learning, health and wellness, and interpersonal communication in a diverse world. Students will identify and utilize strategies and resources for success in college, careers, and life. |
| COMS 100 – Public Speaking
(IN PERSON) Mon & Wed 4:00-5:30pm @201 N. Douglas Street campus |
In this course, students will compose, present, and evaluate original speeches. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, topic selection, research, evidence, organization, delivery, and critical analysis of persuasive communication. Students are required to attend out-of-class speaking events. |
Connect HS Newsletter
Please click here for the January 9, 2026 newsletter.
Connect High Newsletter
Please click here for our latest newsletter.
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CHS New Spanish Teacher – Mr. Haywood
Saint Haywood is from Houston, Texas and started teaching Spanish in 2015 at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, CA. He earned his B.A. in Spanish from California State University, Los Angeles and M.Ed. from California State University, Dominguez Hills. While at CSULA he joined the most illustrious fraternity on this side of the Mississippi: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Saint has loved Spanish since President (H.W.) Bush was in office and has traveled to over 30 countries on planet Earth. After studying abroad in Cuernavaca, Mexico for the first time in high school, he decided to afford his students the same opportunity that he had. So, for the last several years he has taken students (and parents) to study abroad in Argentina, Brazil, France, Panama, Spain, & Uruguay.
Even though traveling, cheering on the Houston Astros, appearing in theatre productions, collecting watches, creating beautiful memories with Shalé and Cooper are all his favorite pastimes; after a busy day at Da Vinci Connect High School, Saint is binging re-runs of his favorite Mexican soap opera “Hasta Que El Dinero Nos Separe”.
Spreading Joy: Connect HS Staff Wish List
Dear Connect High School Families,
As we navigate the school year, we often find myself reflecting on the incredible impact our staff have on our campus. They are doing so much more than delivering curriculum; they are mentors, guides, and champions who play a pivotal role in molding the minds and character of our students. They help our young people navigate their growth into adulthood with patience, wisdom, and care.
To show our team a little extra appreciation for their dedication, we have put together a Connect HS Staff Wish List.
We wanted to offer a fun, optional opportunity for families to select a wish and sprinkle a little joy this season! These are small items like, gift cards, favorite snacks, or self-care treats—that would brighten our staff members’ days.
Click here to review the list.
Please know that participation is completely optional. We simply wanted to open a pathway for those looking for a specific way to say “thank you” to the people who pour their hearts into our students every day.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your children.
With gratitude,
Tami and Robert
Connect HS Mon/Th Cohort Exhibition
At Connect High, we do everything twice! Our Monday/Thursday Cohort Exhibition will be this Thursday, December 11th, from 5:00-7:00pm
