
Community Update
May 8, 2025
Vista Unified Council of Parent Teacher Associations Annual Awards
With a vibrant and growing Parent Teacher Association (PTA) across schools in Vista Unified, teachers, students, and staff have a true partner in education. Parent leaders provide the enthusiasm, energy, and effort that makes school a success during the instructional day assisting students and teachers, during extracurricular activities like athletic events, music/drama performances, fundraisers, promotion/graduation events, and school celebrations. This year PTA leaders held their annual recognition event at Roosevelt Middle School. The event was so successful that guests filled the gymnasium and we ran out of charis! The overwhelming attendance is testament to the value the PTA provides to our school community. Most importantly, this annual event honored eight categories of leaders that serve to enhance every aspect of our students’ learning experiences from transitional kindergarten to graduation and beyond. Thank you to all parents and community members who support our Vista Council of Parent Teachers Associations.
Listen to our latest PodCasts!
My Plan
As part of the new VUSD High School Graduation Requirements beginning with this year’s 8th Graders, we have developed a personal learning plan that all students will enter high school with. We refer to it as, MY PLAN. This effort helps students assess their strengths and interests (RIASEC) and think through possible future aspirations for career and corresponding post secondary education requirements. The idea is for students and families to be have better insights when choosing high school courses and discussions about career pathways. Learn more in this PodCast: CLICK HERE
Facilities
What are the elements of the District’s facilities? What are some of the key issues that our District faces to keep our classrooms, playgrounds, and schools ready for teaching and learning? In this episode Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shawn Loescher reviews the challenges that school districts face in California. This discussion includes key facts about facilities, maintenance, operations, grounds, and our Long Range Facility Master Plan. Click HERE to listen to the podcast.
Click these links to listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Each May, communities across the nation come together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, foster understanding, and promote the importance of mental health and wellness for everyone.
Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. It influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Just like physical health, mental health deserves attention, care, and support.
This year's Mental Health Awareness Month is focused on encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and reminding everyone that seeking help is a sign of strength. It's important to recognize that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance — and that resources and support are available.
Throughout May, we invite everyone to take small but meaningful steps to support mental health:
Practice self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative hobbies.
Check in with friends, family, and neighbors. A simple conversation can make a big difference.
Educate yourself and others about mental health and available resources.
Wear green — the color of mental health awareness — to show your support on May 9th, 2025.
Discover additional resources to improve mental health by visiting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
In our community, we are committed to building a culture where mental health is prioritized and where everyone feels safe asking for help when they need it. Together, we can break down stigma, lift each other up, and create a stronger, healthier community for all. This May — and every month — let’s work together to prioritize mental health and well-being for ourselves and for one another.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out:
Emergency Services: Dial 911
San Diego Access & Crisis Line: 1-888-724-7240 (Available 24/7)
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
California Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-843-5200
Child Abuse Hotline (San Diego): 1-800-344-6000 or (858) 560-2191
211 San Diego: Dial 211 for local resources and support
Our Learning Sprint to the Finish
High schools have completed state testing and are in the midst of AP/IB testing, all while maintaining their focus on high achievement for all students. Soon, they will be preparing for final exams, where they will showcase their learning for the year. This is a busy season where they balance a focus on academics and celebrate the achievements of students, especially seniors, as they solidify college, university, military, and workforce commitments.
Middle school students are in the midst of state testing, where they are focused on showing what they know in ELA, Math, and Science. Students have chosen classes for next year, with 8th graders also completing My Plan as they focus on the next phase of their education. Students are also preparing for end-of-year showcases and presentations, while at the same time, they are excited about the activities that will honor all of their hard work throughout the year.
Elementary schools are in the midst of state testing for grades 3-5. All grades K-5 are working on final project presentations and continue to work on literacy and math as they prepare for the next school year. Students showcase their visual and performing arts talents through musicals, plays, and performances. Some students needing further support will attend summer school for literacy and math. In addition to the continued learning, students are excited to be honored and awarded for their academic achievements, character, and effort shown throughout the school year.
Summer Learning Opportunities
Summer School Expanded Learning Opportunities
Vista Unified is excited to offer a variety of summer learning opportunities for students at all grade levels. Some summer opportunities are by invitation for academic interventions and some opportunities are open to sign-up’s. Elementary Schools have already selected students for the summer school intervention, and notifications to families have been sent.
Elementary summer school will run from June 9 - June 27, 2025, at selected sites, featuring programs focused on general education remediation in reading, writing, and math. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on science activities and be given free books to take home at the end of the summer school session.
Multilingual elementary program will be available for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students, First-Year Newcomers, and At-Risk Long-Term English Language Learners.
The AM-PM summer program, "To Summer and Beyond," will run from June 9 - August 1, 2025, at no cost, offering current TK-7th grade students engaging activities, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences at select school sites. More details on enrollment and program specifics will be shared in the coming weeks. Click HERE for flier and more information.
4th & 5th Grade Arts Experiences for incoming 4th and 5th Grade students can be found at the links below:
Extended School Year (ESY) program for students who qualify through their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) will take place from June 9 - July 3, 2025 (excluding holidays on June 19 & July 4), offering tailored support for eligible students.
Middle and High school summer programs will provide both academic and enrichment opportunities through our expanded learning opportunities. Middle school students will be invited to participate to strengthen their academic skills and explore enrichment activities in various disciplines; these programs run from June 9 through June 20. Middle school students can also participate in the AM/PM enrichment program to extend their learning day. Click HERE for flier and morse information. School sites will also be sharing more details through their regular family communications.
High school students will have access to credit recovery options. In addition to credit recovery, high schools offer bridge programs to incoming 9th graders to support their transition. High schools also offer enrichment opportunities such as fitness, drama, video gaming, and cooking classes. These enrichment options are open to all students. High school summer school programs run from June 9 through July 18. School sites will be sharing more details through their regular family communications.
LCAP Development Update
On April 17, 2025 the VUSD School Board received an update about Community Feedback and Input for the 2025-26 Blueprint/LCAP. This feedback was built into themes from various stakeholder groups, including: families, staff, students, and site administration. With that feedback in mind, there was a Board Workshop on April 24, 2025 where the School Board and district staff went line by line through the proposed Blueprint/LCAP actions and services for 2025-26. In addition, parent groups such as DELAC and DPAC had opportunities to ask questions and provide additional input, and their questions and district responses will be posted to the VUSD website prior to the LCAP Public Forum on June 12, 2025.
Celebrating our Graduates
Vista High School would like to celebrate their graduates! Each year, students earn over $2 million dollars in scholarships to attend such institutions as California State University San Marcos, UCLA, Cal Berkeley, and many private universities. We also celebrate many of the students who choose to pursue military and public service careers.
Vista High School has also been ranked the #5 high school by California State University San Marcos for Latino/a student applications. We look forward to celebrating all students as the extended deadline passes on May 15, 2025.
Mission Vista High School is so proud of the class of 2025 graduates, and they are looking forward to celebrating all of them over the next several weeks. Nearly 85% of seniors have committed to continuing their education at the college level next year at schools including Yale, Embrey-Riddle, Pepperdine, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, San Diego State, Cal State San Marcos, and at our local community colleges. Seven MVHS seniors will be collegiate athletes on scholarship, and eight have made the commendable decision to join our armed forces. This year’s seniors have earned more than $1.25M in scholarships, and they will be leaving Mission Vista with a clear next step and the confidence to execute it upon graduation on June 4th, 2025.
Rancho Buena Vista High School is proud to celebrate the Class of 2025 and how students have excelled in and out of the classroom. This year, graduates earned millions in scholarships and will attend various universities, enter the workforce, and serve in the military or public service. RBV staff is especially proud of the 93 seniors who earned the California Seal of Biliteracy, 37 Senior AVID graduates, and those who advanced through the dual enrollment program with CSUSM. Across campus, students found success in the arts, CTE, and athletics. RBV teams brought home league championships in boys water polo, girls volleyball, girls flag football, and girls basketball, with standout athletes earning All League and All CIF honors in multiple sports. Ten student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent, and the Longhorn Leadership Academy supported over 150 student-athletes through four cohorts this year. As the school year ends, RBV staff look forward to honoring each of their graduates and the paths they’ve chosen.
Congratulations to our April STARS of Excellence and Innovation
Join the Fun at the Vista Strawberry Festival with VUSD! 🍓
Come visit the VUSD booth at this year’s Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday, May 25th from 8 AM to 6 PM! Dive into hands-on STEM and CTE experiences that are fun for the whole family. You’ll find us in the heart of the action—at the corner of Main Street and Citrus Avenue, right next to Mikko Sushi.
🍓 Feeling active? Sign up for the Strawberry Run, click here to register! Be sure to select your school from the drop down box so your school receives a PTA donation!
Want to know more? Check out all the details on the Strawberry Festival Website. We can’t wait to see you there—let’s make it a berry awesome day! 🍓
Bike Safety Courses for Students and Families
VUSD and the City of Vista have teamed up with the San Diego County Bike Coalition to offer both virtual and in-person bike safety sessions for students and families. These one-hour courses are required for middle and high school students who wish to ride their bikes to school. View our VUSD Ride to School Protocol.
🗓️ Upcoming Virtual Session Dates:
May 17, May 31 (Spanish-language session), June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, and October 25.
👉 Click here to register for a virtual session
For in-person course details, visit the City of Vista website.
Be sure to check our District Bike Education website for the latest updates, resources, and information on bike safety.
Help your student ride safely and confidently—register today!
Vista Unified School District
Email: webmaster@vistausd.org
Website: vistausd.org
Location: 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-2170
Twitter: @VistaBlueprint