Panther Press
Jan. 26, 2024
Principal's Update
Happy Friday Panther Community!
We hope you are well and were able to stay warm and dry this rainy week! With so much rain and colds/flus going around, we thank you for calling the attendance office each and every time your student is absent. This helps us account for the students in our care, and helps students get the help they need from their teachers when they are able to return. Every minute of learning time in school is important, so please encourage your students to be on time, every day!
We have a number of exciting parent events coming up that we look forward to presenting this Spring! From exciting sporting events, to Family Registration Nights to pick courses for next year, we want to see you and hear from you! There are multiple ways to get involved and advocate for your child’s best education, including School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Council, Community Schools Advisory Council, and Coffee with the Principal. We also invite you to our “Healthy Minds” and “Parent Institute for Quality Education” workshop series to make the most of your student’s school experience. Let’s keep in touch!
Have a wonderful weekend, and don’t forget to check out all the announcements below for these great events.
Principal Ratliff
VHS Senior Newsletter!
All the info Seniors need from your school counselors! WHAT’S INSIDE?
Transcript Requests
Mark your calendars!
College Tips
Self-care for Seniors ❤️
Advice from a Panther Alumni
Senior Checklists
Scholarships & Xello
Financial Aid
Senior Yearbook Ads
Senior parents, Tuesday, February 8th, is the last day to secure your yearbook recognition ad for your senior. You can pay for and design your own ad at www.jostens.com, or you can purchase an ad through the Finance Office and have the yearbook staff design it for you. For more information, contact Tammie Wood at tammiewood@vistausd.org.
Vista High PTSA Healthy Minds Program
This is the first time our PTSA is piloting the Healthy Minds Program. The PTSA is making Mental Health a priority this year. VHS PTSA has been committed to a focus on mental health resources for parents who are working with their students who may be struggling with any number of things. We are committed to growing mental health and wellness awareness for parents, destigmatizing mental health stereotypes, and increasing engagement in the family-school community. The first learning session is coming up on January 31 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Save the date and reach out with any questions.
Please RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/2yhkj652
Citations Begin on Jan. 23!!!
OUR NEXT SESSION IS MONDAY JAN. 22!!
This presentation is required for all VHS drivers as a condition of having an active parking permit starting next semester.
These presentations will be held in Room E-11 across from the VHS library from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Students are required to bring one parent/guardian. We have three sessions second semester:
January 22, 2024
March 19, 2024
April 15, 2024
To ensure we have enough space, all attendees must RSVP. We will have a few more presentations next semester, and those dates are being finalized. There is also a presentation at Rancho Buena Vista High School on February 8, and VHS students may attend that one as well. Any grade student can attend and each student will only have to attend one session.
Please contact VHS Office Manager Leah Power if you have any questions by emailing leahpower@vistausd.org or calling (760) 726-5611 x 71002. For more information about the presentation, visit this website: Start Smart Program
Important Reminders from the Attendance Office
As we start the new school year, we'd like to remind all families about some key things to remember regarding attendance and picking up students from school during the school day:
Early Release:
- Please call attendance 2 hours in advance if a student needs to be released early.
- A parent or legal guardian must call to release a student and must present a valid government ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID).
- Only persons listed on the contact list in Aeries with a valid government ID can pick up a student.
Excusing an Absence:
- Families have 72 hours to clear an absence.
- Legal notes must be provided for an absence to be cleared after a student has reached 10 excused absences.
PTSA Update
Our stated goal is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Our mission is for Parents, Teachers and Students to work together with our school to help provide programs and enrichment activities which enhance your child's learning environment! Click HERE to join the PTSA!
For current updates on the VHS PTSA, follow us on VHS PTSA on Facebook. Stay Connected!!!
From the Librarian
The San Diego County Library has made its digital and audio books available to thousands of local students throughout the county. Any student in Vista USD, using just their student IDs, may check out the library’s collection of age-appropriate digital materials via Sora, an app used by school districts.
Additionally, every VHS student can check out the San Diego County Library’s Teen Book of the Month with their student ID through the Sora app— the ebook and the audiobook! Unlimited checkouts means no waitlists or holds.
Teen Book of the Month (Ages 14-18)
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Hgozi Adichie
Purple Hibiscus is a historical fiction novel about the turmoil of adolescence, the powerful bonds of family, and the bright promise of freedom. Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria, completely shielded from the troubles of the world. As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, where they discover a life beyond their confines. When they return home, tensions within the family escalate, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together.
PSST World
Go HERE to check it out or to make a report.
Character & Leadership Development Program
Senior Portraits through Keane Studios
The official senior yearbook photographer is Keane Studios. Seniors MUST get a portrait taken through Keane Studios if they would like a portrait in the yearbook. The yearbook-only portrait session is FREE. Keane Studios Senior Session Guide
Follow Keane Studios on Instagram for inspiration on what to wear and bring to your session. @keanestudios. Feel free to visit their website at www.keaneseniors.com to explore their portfolio and session offerings. Email them with any questions at info@keanestudios.com.
California Department of Education Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
Vista High School
Email: teachername@vistausd.org
Website: http://vhs.vistausd.org
Location: 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-5611
Twitter: @VHSPanthers