Panther Press
Jan. 17, 2025
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Monday, Jan. 20 - No School
There is no school on Monday, Jan. 20 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Important Dates and Information
School Year Calendar 2024 - 2025
No School - Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King Day
No School - Feb. 13 - 17 - Presidents Day WeekendNo School - Mar. 31 - Apr. 4 - Spring Break
Principal's Update
Happy Friday, Panther Families!
We hope you enjoy your three day weekend as we observe Martin Luther King Jr Day. Our students have been hard at work and are looking forward to some rest and fun. Did you know that Vista High School is officially a California Community School? Being a Community School means that we provide services for the whole child, meaning academic, social-emotional, behavioral, health, and family services. This week, we were able to showcase our school to all of the other Community School leaders in San Diego County and share ideas! As we strive towards the success of all students, we know that high expectations paired with high levels of support is the key.
Happy new semester, Panthers! Study hard, get involved, and make the most of your high school experience! Go Panthers!
Coffee with the Principal
Join our Principal, Megan Ratliff, during the meeting times below!
A Note about School Safety
Earlier this week, you may have seen a number of San Diego Sheriff's Deputies responding to a call at Vista High School. Due to requirements for student privacy, we were not able to release details of the event. However, we would like you to know that should the campus ever be in danger, you would be notified immediately. If you have thoughts or questions, please let us know by emailing Mrs. Ratliff at meganratliff@vistausd.org. Thank you!
8th Grade Events!
Check out the upcoming events for 8th graders at VHS!
VHS Campus Tours
Interested in touring the campus? RSVP HERE and attend one of our VHS Campus Tours!
Senior Grad Nite - June 8
Grad Nite for Seniors takes place at Disneyland this year on June 8. Tickets are on sale now. There is a payment plan available. See details here.
Senior Yearbook Ads!
Senior yearbook ads are on sale now. Ads can be purchased and designed online via www.jostensyearbooks.com, or the ad can be purchased via the webstore, and the yearbook staff can design it for you. Families can also share ad space with multiple seniors. The deadline to submit the page is February 7, 2025. Contact tammiewood@vistausd.org or vistahighyearbook@vistausd.org, or visit https://vhs.vistausd.org/student-life/yearbook for more information.
Strive to Thrive Program
Join our Community School Program and PTSA for sessions to promote well-being for our students and their families. Find out information on various programs at VHS, learn about the VHS Wellness Center and discuss more important steps for your students at each grade level.
Back Lot Traffic Flow Changes Coming!
Good Evening Panther Families! Please note that we are making some changes to our traffic flow in the back parking lot. Please follow the directions given by staff to ensure the safety of everyone. More details will be coming soon.
¡Buenas noches familias! Por favor, sepan que estamos haciendo algunos cambios en nuestros procedimientos de tráfico en el estacionamiento trasero. Por favor, siga las instrucciones dadas por el personal para garantizar la seguridad de todos. Más detalles vendrán pronto.
Seniors - Workshops for College
Need Help with Applications or Financial Aid paperwork? Come to C13 after school on Wednesdays starting Sept. 18!
Parking Passed Now REQUIRED
Reminder, all students parking on campus MUST have a valid 2024-2025 parking permit. Students may be subject to citations if they park on campus without one. These are real citations.
Students will need to do the following:
- Before school, from 7:45 - 8:20, park in a visitor space in the front parking lot.
- Bring your license, registration, insurance, Parking Regulations Form and Start Smart certificate
- Once these documents are processed, a Campus Assistant will place a sticker on your car.
- Soft launch of parking enforcement to start September 9 with warnings. Hard launch of parking enforcement September 16.
Please email janielbrown@vistausd.org or leahpower@vistausd.org with any questions.
VHS Bike Protocol
VHS Families,
We are committed to ensuring our students' safety, and we offered a bike safety course on Monday, August 26, during 6th period FLEX. This engaging session covered essential topics, including helmet use, traffic rules, and safe riding practices. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge they need to ride confidently and responsibly. We encourage you to discuss these important safety tips at home to reinforce what they learned. Beginning November 12th all students will be required to have a helmet and a sticker. Thank you for supporting our efforts to promote a safe riding environment for all!
Familias VHS,
Estamos comprometidos a garantizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y ofrecimos un curso de seguridad en bicicleta el lunes 26 de agosto durante el sexto período FLEX. Esta interesante sesión cubrió temas esenciales, incluido el uso del casco, las reglas de tránsito y prácticas de conducción segura. Nuestro objetivo es capacitar a los estudiantes con el conocimiento que necesitan para conducir con confianza y responsabilidad. Lo alentamos a discutir estos importantes consejos de seguridad en casa para reforzar lo que aprendieron. A partir del 12 de noviembre, todos los estudiantes deberán tener un casco y una calcomanía. ¡Gracias por apoyar nuestros esfuerzos para promover un entorno de conducción seguro para todos!VHS PTSA
Join the PTSA! The VHS PTSA is instrumental in organizing and assisting with a variety of school events and functions. Use the QR Code below to join!
VHS Clubs
Get involved! See club list below!
VHS Clubs
- ASL Club - Mondays and Thursdays during lunch in F12
- AVID CLUB - Tuesdays at lunch in S103
- GSA - Wednesdays at lunch in D20
- Mock Trial Team - Tuesdays at lunch in D18
- BSU - Fridays at lunch in S103
- Student Equity Council - Mondays at lunch in T312
- Outdoor Club - Thursdays at lunch in I13
- Science Olympiad - Mondays after school in T201
- Ballet Folkloriko - Mondays after school in G12
- Quick Feet Club - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after school in the Main Quad
Panther After Hours Program
Panther After Hours program is every morning and after school! Get homework assistance, play in the Game Room, join a club and much more! See calendar below!
VHS Sports Medicine Club Applications are Now Open!
Are you interested in the medical field? Like sports? The Sports Medicine Club may be for you! We are looking to fill 3-4 spots. CPR/First Aid/AED Certification required. Please email VHS Athletic Trainer Melissa Hutzell or visit the Athletic Training Room for more information or to obtain an application.
NEW Sport Request From
Dear Panther Families and Community,
We’re excited to announce a new initiative to strengthen collaboration and dialogue between our students, families, and athletic program. Beginning this school year, we’re introducing a Sport Request Form designed to give students and community members the opportunity to express interest in adding new sports to our school’s athletic offerings. This form allows us to gather valuable insights, gauge interest, and better understand the needs and wishes of our community when it comes to expanding athletic opportunities.
While we are committed to exploring each request thoughtfully, please know that there are various factors that affect our ability to implement new sports, including resources, staffing, and facility availability. Even so, your input is essential as it helps us make informed decisions and better align our programs with the interests and passions of our students.
The Sport Request Form is available on our website at https://vhs.vistausd.org/athletics, and we welcome submissions throughout the year.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community and for helping us continue to foster a dynamic and inclusive athletic environment for our students.
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Estimadas familias y comunidad Pantera,
Nos complace anunciar una nueva iniciativa para fortalecer la colaboración y el diálogo entre nuestros estudiantes, familias y el programa deportivo. A partir de este año escolar, presentaremos un Formulario de solicitud de deportes diseñado para brindarles a los estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad la oportunidad de expresar interés en agregar nuevos deportes a nuestra escuela. Este formulario nos permite recopilar información valiosa, medir el interés y comprender mejor las necesidades y deseos de nuestra comunidad cuando se trata de ampliar las oportunidades deportivas.
Si bien nos comprometemos a explorar detenidamente cada solicitud, sepa que existen varios factores que afectan nuestra capacidad para implementar nuevos deportes, incluidos los recursos, el personal y la disponibilidad de las instalaciones. Aun así, su opinión es esencial ya que nos ayuda a tomar decisiones informadas y alinear mejor nuestros programas con los intereses y pasiones de nuestros estudiantes.
El formulario de solicitud de deportes está disponible en nuestro sitio web en https://vhs.vistausd.org/athletics, y aceptamos propuestas durante todo el año.
Gracias por ser una parte esencial de nuestra comunidad escolar y por ayudarnos a continuar fomentando un ambiente deportivo dinámico e inclusivo para nuestros estudiantes.
Home Campus Athletic Clearances
Playing a sport next year? Make sure you submit or roll over your physical to home campus! The sooner the better - see below for more details.
Want Tickets to VHS Athletic Games?
VHS ESPORTS!
Teams forming NOW!
PSST World
Go HERE to check it out or to make a report.
School Accountability Report Card
The School Accountability Report Card is now available for review here https://vhs.vistausd.org/ and a hard copy will be made available upon request at our front office.
California Department of Education Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
Hapara Internet Safety and Monitoring
This is an important tool to assist teachers with digital citizenship and classroom management. It is important that parents are aware of the privacy policy and our adherence to the ethical monitoring policy.
Family & Community Engagement
Vista Teen Outreach
MESSAGE FROM VTO CO-PRESIDENTS
Vista Teen Outreach (VTO) has had a remarkable year so far, and as we head into the fourth quarter, we’re busier than ever preparing for our annual holiday basket program. We continue to serve 14 schools and are now collaborating with various community groups to extend our reach. Each month, we support approximately 650 families facing food insecurity, ensuring that students and their families have access to essential resources. In addition to our work with schools and community groups, we’ve had some exciting milestones this year. We successfully hosted our first pickleball tournament fundraiser and provided 200 backpacks filled with school supplies through our Back-to-School Backpack project. We’re also proud to participate in the Feeding San Diego retail rescue program, collecting food donations from three retailers on a weekly basis. It truly takes a village to make this all happen.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, sponsors, and donors who help us achieve our mission of supporting local families. Your dedication and generosity enable us to continue making a meaningful difference in our community.
Warmly,
Becky Kwock and Jason Tinling
Co-Presidents
Suggestions?
Vista High School
Email: teachername@vistausd.org
Website: http://vhs.vistausd.org
Location: 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-5611