News and Podcasts

VUSD a Leader in Student Attendance, District Support and Engagement Keeps Attendance High

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and while attendance rates around the country are still recovering post-Covid, Vista Unified has cause to celebrate.

When it comes to attendance, the district is leading the way not only in San Diego County but also in the state of California. Their average daily attendance (ADA) for the 2023-24 school year was more than 3% higher than the state average for unified school districts.

"In education, we're always on a continuous improvement cycle. We try new things, reflect on if they work or not, and identify why.”

- Rhonda Marriott-Spencer

Vista USD Construction Students Build Tiny Homes for Unhoused Veterans

On Wednesday, September 18, students from Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Construction CTE pathway joined peers from four other school districts to work on building six tiny houses designed to help homeless veterans. The project took place at the AGC Training Center in Lakeside (Associated General Contractors of America). Students worked alongside professional tradespersons to construct the moveable tiny houses.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to work and learn alongside experienced tradespeople. There’s nothing better than hands-on learning with experts. In addition to the technical learning, our students had a chance to see how their skills can be used to benefit and help others, which makes our community stronger.”

- Landon Cardenas, construction teacher at Rancho Buena Vista

First Pre-Apprenticeship Cohort in Vista Providing Clear Path to Well-Paying, In-Demand Jobs in Building Trades

A ground-breaking program is in full swing as the first-ever MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Program in North County sees its first cohort of participants close to graduating. Once the 18 participants complete their coursework and technical training they are on their way to enter well-paying, in-demand trade jobs with local employers.

We're giving them that leg up and getting them directed into the right lane, so to speak, so that they can pursue what they want.

- Rick McCurdy, Vista USD’s Career Pathways Teacher on Special Assignment

Vista USD & Cal State San Marcos Launch innovative Dual-Enrollment Course

On Friday, September 6th, Cal State San Marcos President Ellen Neufeldt joined Vista Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle and VUSD Board Trustee Cipriano Vargas in celebrating the first-ever class of students in an innovative dual-enrollment class.

I hope that these students have the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive to go into a career that not only pays them a living wage but that they are able to live comfortably here in San Diego.

-Cipriano Vargas, Board Trustee

Grapevine Backpack Event

On Friday, August 9th, nearly 400 students at Grapevine Elementary received a back-to-school starter kit courtesy of the Kids In Need Foundation and Toyota Carlsbad. The event was part of the Big Summer Giveback program, a partnership between the two organizations that is currently in its third year.
 

“This generous donation ensures that our students start the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.”

- Myrna Hernandez, Principal of Grapevine Elementary

Vista Unified Kicks Off Summer Meals with Farm to Summer Week Celebration

School may be out for summer in the communities served by the Vista Unified School District, but the need to feed hungry children continues. The district’s Summer Meals program kicked off Monday, June 10, and continues through August 9. Meals are available to all children 18 & under, with no forms or paperwork required.

“Our summer meals program is an integral and important service to fulfill our department’s mission,”

- Karolyn Wasung, Director of Child Nutrition Services for Vista Unified School District.

Artful Learning at Roosevelt Middle School

Eight years ago Roosevelt Middle School began a journey by implementing a new approach to teaching and learning called Artful Learning. The unique framework explores all academic subjects through the lens of the arts.

Established in 1990, the program has been welcomed into schools across America, with more than 250,000 students nationwide having been exposed to its learnings. 

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL’S AVID PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN COLLEGE & CAREER

Vista High School’s AVID program is a college prep initiative offered to students, from freshman year through senior year.

AVID stands for ‘Advancement Via Individual Determination’ and the program focuses on training high schoolers for college and career by teaching a wide range of life and educational skills, including time management, study tools, and organizational techniques. 

Vista Magnet Middle School Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Completion of Historic Renovation and Modern Upgrades

On Tuesday, May 7th, students, staff and community leaders gathered at Vista Magnet Middle School for a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the completion of a historic renovation project to modernize the school. 

“We wanted to bring the front of the school back to what it used to be,” says VMMS Principal Steve Post. “so we looked at pictures from Vista High School back in the 30s. The redesign needed to say: ‘This is who we are, this is what we look like, and this is why we're special and historical.’”

Mission Vista High School Named Project Lead The Way Distinguished High School for 6th Time & 4th Straight Year

Mission Vista High School (MVHS) has been recognized as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School for the current school year. This is the fourth consecutive year the school has earned the distinction and the sixth time since 2017-18.

To have earned Distinguished High School status from the PLTW organization is a testament to our commitment at the site level to continue providing rigorous and relevant learning experiences to all students who are interested in continuing to learn in the Biomedicine and Engineering fields.  - Jeremy Walden, Principal

First-of-its-Kind Apprenticeship Readiness Program Launches in North County

In response to the growing demand for skilled trades workers and an effort to provide future-looking opportunities to its students and community, the Vista Unified School District is launching a Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) Apprenticeship Readiness Program.

We're excited to collaborate with Vista Unified School District and the San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council in crafting this innovative partnership, offering a transformative learning experience for North County residents aged 18 and above. Through this program, individuals will gain valuable on-the-job skills and unlock their full potential,"

-Tony Young, interim President and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership

International Educational Collaboration Comes to Vista:
Roosevelt Middle School Hosts Education Team From The Netherlands

Roosevelt Middle School recently hosted a team of Dutch educational experts to showcase how they are implementing a program entitled ‘Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports’ (PBIS). The program focuses on specific practices to support students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health at the secondary level.

New Vistas in Learning

A research-practice partnership between UC San Diego and Vista Unified School District is reshaping our understanding of early learning, paving the way for transformative changes in education. Click here to view the full article, Page 26

ABC 10News Storytime Vista 2nd Graders get free books at Hannalei Elementary

Once a month through the entire school year, ABC 10News has brought free books to kids around San Diego County through "Storytime" program. This year, the program has given out more than 1,500 free books.

"It makes me feel so overjoyed. That's why we're here, we love to see students grow, for their academics to become better. And so to see them become excited about reading is the reason we're all here."

- Erik Korporaal, Hannalei Principal

Tim McCreary CTE Teacher at Vista High

Tim McCreary has worked as the CTE Automotive Instructor at Vista High School for the past 16 years. He teaches Auto 1 Beginning and Auto 2 Advanced over a two-year period where students can earn industry certifications that help them enter the auto industry straight out of high school.

He even took days off from his full-time dealership job to work as a substitute teacher.

CTE Teacher Profile: Kelly Clark - Photography teacher at Rancho Buena Vista High School. 

Kelly Clark has been the Photography teacher at Rancho Buena Vista High School for the past twelve years. She teaches a two-year program consisting of Photo 1 and Photo 2 and is also the department Chair.

“They judged which photographs were best, and all of the kids got to keep the sunglasses, which was awesome. I also brought in a food truck and kids got to photograph the food and learn what clients want and expect.”

- Kelly Clark

STAFF-STUDENT CONNECTIONS: STEPHANIE ROSS OF WAVECREST CAFE

Stephanie Ross has been the Cafeteria Lead at T.H.E. Leadership Academy for the past 11 years and worked with Vista Unified’s CNS department for 23 years. She is very aware of the importance of her role and influence in a special place outside the classroom. 

“I do feel like I’m teaching the children because I’m teaching them to be kind, courteous, and considerate."

- Stephanie Ross

School Resource Officers Return to VUSD Campuses

Vista Unified welcomed back SROs (School Resource Officers) to its campuses this school year. SROs assist the school administration in maintaining safe and secure environments for students and staff.  While stationed at our high schools, SROs are available to support students at any of Vista’s schools.  

“Our SRO strives to build positive relationships with scholars by engaging in informal conversations.”

-Christina DeSanto

Heroes of Vista 2024

On Friday, March 22nd, five Vista Unified School District employees will be honored as part of the annual “Heroes of Vista” award ceremony. The Awards, presented by the Vista Chamber of Commerce and The Vista Educational Foundation, spotlight a wide range of community members whose work and service make an impact in the community. 

The five recipients of the education awards are:

Arts Educator of the Year: Carol Jones of Mission Vista High School

Technology Educator of the Year: Rya Hege of T.H.E. Leadership Academy

Classified Person of the Year: Dave Shaputis of Bobier Elementary

Administrator of the Year: Emyr Rich of Vista Magnet Middle School

Health Care Person of the Year: Carol Oliver of Major General Raymond Murray High School

Vista High School Opens Building S - a High Tech Haven for Learning

When Vista USD classes resumed on January 10th, 2024 students at Vista High School were finally able to enjoy the brand-new Building S at the front of the school campus facing Bobier Dr. The new building houses the school’s English department, with 18 classrooms that also include spaces for several special education classes.

“I think I have a unique perspective because I'm an alumnus from here,” she explains. “I graduated Vista High School in 2001, so from the perspective of being a teacher here now and having been a student before, to have something that's brand new is pretty magical.”

-English teacher Melissa Cotter

Vista Magnet Middle School Rings In New Year With Newly Completed Upgrades

Vista Magnet Middle School welcomed 2024 with an impressive new look after an almost year-and-a-half-long construction project to upgrade and improve the school.

“Once we realized we could do a full redesign, we created the ‘Historical Committee’,” says Post. “It was made up of staff, district staff, students, community members, and the design team including Josh Eckel from the design studio.

RBV Celebrates Opening of New Construction & Welding Building

Guests were greeted by the RBV cheerleaders as the school’s marching band and drum line played a selection of celebratory tunes to set the mood. Vista High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC presented the flag and led the Pledge of Allegiance before RBV Principal Dr. Jose Villareal greeted the assembled audience.

“Our new CTE building at Rancho Buena Vista is a crown jewel of our Career Technical Education efforts,” says Vista Unified Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle. “This space, combined with our amazing teachers, will solidify Vista Unified as a premier destination for students wanting to pursue careers in these in-demand, well-paying jobs that power our local economy and communities. It is a testament to the commitment of our community to invest in the next generation of leaders.”

Equity Walks Embody Core Values For Learners, Adults & The Community

In 2020 Vista Unified adopted a resolution (Resolution 20-42) reaffirming its commitment to fight racism. The resolution affirmed that: equity is a core value of the district; that Vista aims to celebrate diversity and eliminate barriers; the district would stand in solidarity with historically underrepresented groups; and that it would resolve to conduct workshops and training focused on bias, and direction for the district in addressing bias.

Principals from each host site meet with Student Support Services two to four weeks in advance of the walks to review the process and plan details. Facilitators provide materials to guide the process, which lasts from 8:00 - 11:30 AM at each school site.

Vista Unified School District and City of Vista To Host Town Hall Event On Human Trafficking

On Thursday, February 8th, Vista Unified School District, in conjunction with the City of Vista, is hosting a Town Hall forum on the topic of Human Trafficking (also referred to as CSEC - Commercialized Sexual Exploitation of Children). The event takes place from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Vista Civic Center in the Morris B. Vance Community Room. Translation services will be provided.

 “I cannot underscore enough the importance of this topic for the students and parents of our community. Sadly, there are challenges outside of the walls of the classroom that are having a disturbing impact on our student population. These types of town hall meetings can really help build collective efforts toward keeping our students safe.”

- Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent of Vista Unified School District

Rancho Buena Vista High School Celebrates Opening of New Construction & Welding Building with Ribbon-Cutting Event

On Tuesday, February 6th, students and staff from Rancho Buena Vista High School, along with Vista Unified School District leadership and city officials, will celebrate the opening of a brand new Career Technical Education (CTE) building.

“There are no limits,” says Construction teacher Cardenas. “We used to have to take the space into account for every project. And now you just feel like there's not a single restraint as to what kids can build. It's just amazing. We could build anything.”

Mission Vista Teacher Nabs Out of This World Opportunity with NASA

David Forester teaches astronomy, biology, and chemistry at Mission Vista High School where he has been a fixture for the past ten years in a department of thirteen science teachers. But 2024 marks an exciting milestone in his career. 

“Anyone in the science and astronomy education space can apply to the program; most are classroom teachers from middle or high school, or the community college level,” explains Forester, who was the only winner from California.

Madison Middle School Students Selected to All-State Band/Choir

French Horn player Wyatt Andersen (8th grade), was accepted into the All-State band, while Sephora Bourhenne (7th grade) and Isabel Petrow (8th grade) both made the All-State Choir. All students are now working towards the prestigious All-State concert that takes place in Sacramento on February 3rd, 2024.

"New All-State band inductee, Wyatt Andersen, 13, has been playing French horn for three years and says, “Playing in the Madison band was an amazing experience. I’ve learned a lot and I am impressed with how much our band program has grown. I was pretty nervous for All-State but I practiced and had more confidence when I had to record the audition. I was very excited and proud of myself for achieving my goal.”

Monte Vista Bike Giveaway

Forty-two years ago a small group of road bicyclists in North County hosted a golf tournament to raise money to benefit their community. What started as a few people has ballooned into a group of almost 100 people who contribute all of the net money raised to purchase bicycles for area students.

“Bike safety has become a new initiative in our district,” says Monte Vista Principal Kerry Perez. “The district is working with the San Diego County Bike Coalition, doing bike safety nights for parents and families. So what this gift is doing also fits in nicely with our district focus and supporting that safety.”

Vista Elks Lodge Hosts 47th Annual Special Ed Holiday Show with Vista Unified

On Friday, December 15th, the Special Education Department of Vista Unified School District (VUSD) put on its 47th annual holiday talent show in cooperation with the Vista Elks at the Elks Lodge. Students from eight different VUSD schools performed holiday songs for a packed house of families, fellow students, and members of the Elks Lodge. 

“This holiday performance is a special event,” said Rachel Schmidt, Special Ed Supervisor for Vista Unified and Principal of California Avenue School. “Some children enrolled in specialized special education do not often have an opportunity to perform or to be on stage, so it is a treasured time for the families to watch their kids do something like this.”

New Year, New Facilities, Measure LL Update

It is always exciting to start a new calendar year. In Vista Unified, we are particularly excited because we have just completed the construction of two large Measure LL Facility Bond projects and one of the classroom buildings on the largest project is ready to move into. 

These Measure LL Facility Bond projects are fulfilling our promise to the community to repair, upgrade, and equip classrooms, science labs, and local school facilities supporting college readiness, career preparation, math, science, engineering, technology, and skilled trades; repair aging classrooms/schools including deteriorating roofs, plumbing, and electrical; improve student safety/school security.

CHEF ELIZA MARTIN

Chef Eliza Martin may be best known for being a ‘Chopped’ champion on the Food Network but you only have to see her in action teaching cooking classes at VIDA Middle School to see where her real passion lies.

“I really try to fit a lot of different cultures into our cooking to pay honor to different kids in the class,” she explains. “And I love child-led learning. If someone requests a recipe and I can do it, we do it. It makes students more engaged and empowered.”

VUSD Student Performers Light Up Vista Village Winterfest and Tree Lighting

“I am thrilled we have such a wide variety of ages from elementary through high school who want to perform at the Vista Village Winterfest. It is important that our students have opportunities to showcase their art in the community,”

-Susan Stuber, VAVPA TOSA

Vista Unified’s Casita Center Awarded National Blue Ribbon School Honor at Ceremony in Washington, DC

The North County school is one of just two in San Diego County and 33 in California to receive the honor.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible learning environment that our staff, learners, and community members have created by working together and continually striving for academic excellence and innovation.”

- Jenny Chien, Principal Casita