


Bulldog News
February 4, 2024
Principal's Message
Hello Families,
Our week began sharing our school program with potential families and ended with a district Equity walk in which two other school teams joined us and toured all of our classrooms looking specifically at the four areas of Cultural Identity, Relationships, Relevance and Rigor. All our team members and visitors were so impressed with the high level of student-centered learning happening in all of our classrooms.The highlights of the walk included evidence of high expectations, Inclusivity, Global Awareness, Expanded and Enriched learning experiences and high level of student engagement. So very proud of our students, staff and school community
Please read below for information and upcoming events,
Benjie Walker
Principal
Chanelle Berthiaume
Assistant Principal
Important Dates
February 6 - Monthly Foundation Meeting @ 5:30pm
February 16: No School- Observance of Lincoln's Birthday
February 19: No School- Presidents Day
February 20: No School- Non-Student/ Non-Staff Day
February 28: Minimum Day -K-8 Staff Development Day
School Calendar:
New Conservatory Offerings: Art, Spanish, and Steel Drums
Art Conservatory- Ceramics
1-2 Grade: Ceramics on Wednesdays
3-4 Grade: Ceramics on Thursdays
Packets are due Friday, February 9, 2024. Students can return them teachers or the front office (there will be a folder to put their sign up sheets in). We will post our class list on February 15, 2024 in the front office.
If you have any questions feel free to contact:
Spanish Conservatory
K-1: Spanish Songs and Games on Thursdays
2-5: Art and Cultures of Spanish-Speaking Countries on Tuesdays
Packets are due Friday, February 9, 2024. Students can return them teachers or the front office (there will be a folder to put their sign up sheets in). We will post our class list on February 15, 2024 in the front office.
If you have any questions feel free to contact:
Steel Drums Lessons by Kainga Music
3-5: Tuesday Mornings 7:15-7:45
3-5: Tuesday After School 2:15-2:45
Applications are due to the front office by Thursday Feb 8. Students accepted will be notified Friday, February 9.
Spots will
School Tours
Click HERE if you would like to attend a tour of Vista Academy.
Magnet Application for 2024-2025
The Magnet Application period for all VUSD magnet schools for the 2024-2025 school year will begin on January 10, 2023 at 12pm. If you are a current Vista Academy learner and you plan to return to Vista Academy for the 2024-2025 school year, you DO NOT need to apply to the school mint process. Instead, you complete the re-registration survey in February 2024.
If you know a prospective student or have a sibling who plans to attend Vista Academy, please be sure to apply within the application period. See the flyer for elementary magnet application timeline.
If you are a current 5th grader and plan to attend VIDA or Vista Magnet, please ensure you apply through the magnet application process. See the flyer for the secondary/middle school magnet application timeline.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office to help. We are here to guide you through the process.
Need Assistance on Your Magnet Application?
If you need assistance in applying for the magnet lottery, please see the flyer below regarding options from our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team. You are also welcome to walk into our office to get support from our community liaison, Ms. Susy Cruz.
2024 Magnet Elementary Information Nights
Vista Academy and Casita will be hosting in-person Magnet Elementary Information Nights in January and February. Please see flyer for more details regarding dates, time, and locations.
5th Grade Families: VMMS & VIDA Road Show
The VIDA and VMMS Road Show is back! They are looking forward to coming to VUSD elementary schools to inform 5th grade families about their option of attending our district’s magnet middle schools in the 2024-2025 school year. Presentations will be hosted by the magnet middle school principals so that families can learn more about each school. Both of our magnet middle schools will also hold tour events at our respective sites, and they will communicate to families about these additional opportunities.
VUSD STEM Fest Returns!
Looking for Volunteers to Referee Recess Soccer
We are looking for volunteers to help referee and keep the soccer games safe and fun for everyone. We need volunteers from 9:40-10:35 and 11:15-12:50. If you are interested, please email Ms. Susy at susanacruz@vistausd.org.
Looking for Garden Volunteers
We need volunteers to help with our four school gardens. Please contact cara0217@gmail.com if you are interested. No experience needed.
School Hours
8:00 AM - 2:10 PM
*Gates open at 7:30 AM for breakfast. Students may not be dropped off before 7:30 AM for safety since we do not provide supervision before 7:30.
Breakfast Offered Before School Only
Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students
Breakfast and lunch is free for all students at Vista Academy. You do not need to fill out an application.
Fruit and salad bar is also available. For more information please visit:
Device Coverage
Here is the link to the Mobile Device Coverage Protection Plan. Renewal begins July 1st and ends June 30th each school year.
This Plan is $20 for two incidents and is available at the following link. https://vusd.myschoolcentral.com/
As an FYI: Cracked or damaged screen replacement per incident = $150
Chromebook total damage replacement per incident = $322
Power adapters are not included in the plan
Volunteering Update
We love our volunteers and cannot wait to welcome you on campus!
In order for volunteers to help in classrooms or outdoor spaces, here are the requirements:
- Must complete the VUSD Volunteer Application
- Review the Code of Conduct (images below)
- Must complete a TB questionnaire. If you have not had a history of TB, then you do the lab test. Please email our school nurse, Brenda VanDerPol, with any questions at brendavanderpol@vistausd.org.
If you are interested in being an Essential Volunteer, please
- Submit your paperwork to Ms. AnaKaren in the office.
- Reach out to your teacher for volunteer opportunities OR any of our specialty teachers. Must pre-arrange to volunteer. Thank you!
We look forward to welcoming back all of our volunteers. Thank you for your cooperation!
ID Required When Checking Out Students
Please bring your ID when coming into the office. An ID is needed to check students out and all visitors must scan their ID to enter school. Thank you for your help.
Community Resourse Corner
Newcomers and Refugees
Low Cost Internet
Vista Academy's Foundation PTO Needs You!
Our favorite community and school events are made possible by our Foundation Board and volunteers. Please consider joining this amazing team! No previous experience is needed, we will train you!
If you are interested in being part of our Foundation and have any questions, please reach out to president@vistaacademyfoundation.com
Vista Academy Foundation (PTO)
Our outstanding Foundation/PTO is ready to support our students for the 23-24 school year.
There are many ways to support our teachers and students and our Foundation has set up several options for you below.
As a Vista Academy family you are encouraged to register on the Vista Academy Foundation Website. You will have access to all the Foundation/PTO tookit. SIgn up HERE.
To get the most up to date information, ask questions, make comments, and share thoughts with other Vista Academy families, join our “Families of Vista Academy” Facebook group at www.Facebook.com/groups/1692479804104789
Title I Required Documents
Office Support
The office will be open to assist families from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help in any way we can.
Phone: 760-941-0880
Email:
General Information: anakarengarcia@vistausd.org
Registration/Health/Attendance Concerns:sharonsantiago@vistausd.org
Registration/General Information: rosysimmonds@vistausd.org
Parent Liaison: susanacruz@vistausd.org
Principal: benjiewalker@vistausd.org
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School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
Vista Academy's School Accountability Report Card is now available for review on our website (link at the bottom of the page). A hard copy will be made available upon request at our front office.
Assurance of Nondiscrimination
Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: vistaacademyes@vistausd.org
Website: vapa.vistausd.org
Location: 600 North Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 760-941-0880
Twitter: @VistaAVPA