Panther Press

Each March, we celebrate Women's History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions and achievements of women throughout history. This annual observance serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the narrative of women's rights and empowerment. As we reflect on the past, it is essential to recognize the countless trailblazers who defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for future generations. Women from diverse backgrounds and fields have left their mark on history, from science and politics to literature and the arts. Women's History Month is not only a celebration of individual accomplishments but also an opportunity to acknowledge the collective strength, resilience, and determination of women worldwide. As we commemorate this month, let us continue to champion gender equality, amplify women's voices, and work collaboratively towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

April 1 - 5 - Spring Break - No School

April 9-10 - Every 15 Minutes Event

May 27 - Memorial Day

June 5 - Graduation and Last Day of School

District School Year Calendar 2023 - 2024

VHS Bell Schedule 2023 - 2024

Vista Unified Community Update

Happy Friday, Panther Families!

Our new building “T” is about to open! After Spring Break our PE, JROTC, Science, and some Social Science classes will be starting in the new building. We look forward to being able to share it with all of you.

Finally, our annual state Math, English, and Science tests are taking place after Spring Break as well. Please mark your calendars to make sure your student has good attendance and can do their best work.

Have a wonderful weekend, Panther Families, and we look forward to another great week!

Mrs. Ratliff

2024 Honorary Service Awards

This year Vista High School (VHS) PTSA is participating in the CA State PTA's Honorary Service Program. VHS PTSA is looking for nominations for our 2024 Honorary Service Awards. Honorary Service Awards are designed as a unique way for PTA/PTSA units, councils and districts to publicly acknowledge both individuals and organizations for outstanding community service to children and youth in a community. This program offers six distinctive types of awards:

• Very Special Person Award (VSP)
• Honorary Service Award (HSA)
• Outstanding Teacher Award (OTA)
• Outstanding Administrator Award (OAA)
• Golden Oak Service Award (GOSA)

You do not need to be a PTSA member to be nominated or to nominate someone. If you know of someone making a difference in our VHS Community, please nominate them here:VHS PTSA Honorary Service Award Nomination Form

PTSA Healthy Minds Survey

This Optional survey is tented for the parents of Vista High School (VHS). This year the PTA is committed a vision for developing mental wellness resources, specifically to support VHS parents. In service of this vision the PTSA applied for and was awarded a grant from National PTA to run a Healthy Minds Program. Please take a few minutes to respond to the questions within this survey so that the PTSA might continue to design the most appropriate bank of mental wellness resources fro our parents community.

https://tinyurl.com/yntmkxz5

Help out VHS by dining out at Rubio's on April 12!

Help out VHS by dining out at Panera Bread on April 23!

Our amazing drama students presented a fantastical musical this month!

Greetings VHS Drivers and Families! We are excited to announce a partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to bring a program called Start Smart to our school.

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 one session left for second semester:

April 22, 2024

To ensure we have enough space, all attendees must RSVP. Any grade student can attend and each student will only have to attend one session.

Students can also attend sessions at Rancho Buena Vista High School. Their classes are on April 23 and May 15. To reserve a spot there use this form.

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

Smart Start Parent Letter

VUSD PTSA groups and RBV will host two exciting events on April 20. These two events aim to empower young people to make informed choices and resist peer pressure, ultimately setting them up for success in all areas of their lives. Your support is crucial to achieving this goal, and we're grateful for your willingness to join us in making a real impact. Let's work together to make a difference and create a bright future for our students!

April 20 - Community Resource Fair - Vista Civic Center - 8am - 11am

April 20 - 420 REMIX - John Landes Park - 1pm - 4:30pm

All the info Seniors need from their 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

VHS SENIOR NEWSLETTER 2024

Principal Ratliff invites you to learn the skills and tools to help support your student's future success.

Our community partners across the street have requested that students are welcome to park in front of Stater Brothers, but should refrain from parking at the side or behind the plaza. These spots are for Little Mexico, Subway, EZ Express laundromat and Pizza and More customers. Thank you for helping us be good neighbors!

We are just four weeks away from the start of VUSD’s Arts Under the Stars FREE community events. The performing arts will be featured on the stage at Moonlight Amphitheatre April 9th-11th. Every night will have performances from elementary through high school. Tuesday, April 9th, will feature 10 choirs, 3 small instrumental ensembles, and 1 children’s theatre group. Wednesday, April 10th, will feature 8 instrumental ensembles along with 7 student compositions. We wrap up on Thursday, April 11th, by featuring 7 theatrical groups, 6 dance teams, and 1 children’s choir. Shows start every night at 6:00 pm. Gates open at 5:15 pm.

The visual arts will be featured at the Vista Civic Center through a juried arts showcase. There is an Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 17th, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Selected artwork will represent 2D art, 3D art, photography, and digital art. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Superintendent’s award, Principal’s award, Mayor’s award, Best in Show, Most Original, Craftsmanship, and Best 3D. The art show will run April 17th through May 8th.

Every 15 Minutes April 9-10

More information can be found HERE

Day 1 April 9 will be a mock car crash

Day 2 April 10 will be a mock funeral

The program is for our 11th and 12th graders only. We will have CHP officers, San Diego Sheriffs, and Vista Fire Department on campus for the assemblies as well as Reach Air helicopter landing on our baseball field on April 9. Please remember that this is a staged car crash and funeral. Let me know if you have any questions

Tamara Drummond- tamaradrummond@vistausd.org

See flyer below for details!

Examine Key topics on African American studies.

Learn about Chicano and Latino American experiences!

Learn about the experiences of diverse populations.

The Small Business Ownership and Management course is an elective course designed for students who are interested in learning how to start a small business. Students will learn about the role of a small business in the economy, as well as the common challenges small businesses face. Students will gain an understanding of how to start, build, and manage a business, including employees. Students will also learn the principles of marketing, finance, and operations for small businesses, and develop their own business plan.

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 13-18)

The Summer of Broken Rules by KL Walther

Meredith's family's annual game of assassin at Martha's Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister's legacy, and finally join the world again. But when she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she's at risk of losing both the game … and her heart.

See flyer below for details.

Need help filling out that FAFSA? Counselors are on hand Wednesdays after school from Oct. 4 through April 2 in room CLC3.

Get discounts on technology for school at c2k.org!

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.

23-24 SARC Vista High School

Interested in ceramics? Come to our Panthers After Hours Ceramics classes - see video below for info!

PSST World is an on-line platform that allows students to report anything worrisome without fear. Using PSST World, students can report any range of concerning behaviors and incidents that they have seen, heard, or experienced. When a report is made, a message is immediately sent to our safety team and they will reach out to site administration for follow up.

Go HERE to check it out or to make a report.

Here are this week's sports.

Tryouts for VHS Cheer & Dance are coming up. Tryouts are for anyone interested in JV Cheer, Varsity Cheer, JV Hip Hop, Varsity Hip Hop or Varsity Pom. Tryout packets are now available in the office. On Monday, March 25th next year's captains and current seniors will teach material for tryouts. You will have two weeks to practice and videos will be posted to help you. Final tryouts will take place on Monday, April 8th beginning at 3:30PM in the dance room. Please follow @vistaspirit on Instagram for more info and visit Coach Caponera or Coach Wagner in the girls' locker room with any questions!

In order to be eligible to try out and participate on a sports team, athletes must first complete the athletic clearance process (Physical). All paperwork must be complete and uploaded to homecampus.com. Please see the links attached or See the VHS website for more information. Please email Athletic Trainer Ms. Melissa at melissahutzell@vistausd.org if you have any questions. All instructions are below.

Homecampus Process(English)

Homecampus Process(Spanish)

VUSD VHS Physical Form

Purchase them online using this QR Code!

Many of the local and regional scholarships are now open. As many require transcripts, letters of recommendation, and some writing - putting it off until the last second is not an option. Remember, money is on the table so don't let this slip past you! Check the bulletin at least once a week and google for scholarships that are in your major or have something to do with your background.

Senior Scholarships

See Mr. Soderback in the College and Career Center!

ASB applications close on Friday, April 7th, during spring break. If you would like to apply for the class next year, you can find the application on our website.

Prom will be on Saturday, May 11th at the Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park. Tickets will go on sale when we return from Spring Break. Prices start at $90 with a Panther Pass and $95 without. They will increase by $5 every week. Guest Passes will be available in counseling before Spring Break.

This year's Grad Bash celebration will be at Universal Studios on Friday, June 7th. Tickets will go on sale Monday, Dec. 4 for $160 with a Panther Pass and $165 without in the Finance Office and the webstore. If you are interested in a payment plan, get more information in Finance.

Need a dress for prom? Book an appointment here for a chance to win a dress and accessory!

• Buddies Club meets Tuesdays at lunch in the GYM. Please join us for fun with our Buddies as we support inclusion for everyone at VHS. ALL ARE WELCOME! :) .
  

• Yu-Gi-Oh club meets every Thursday during lunch in V-20. Want to learn how to duel? Interested in learning the tournament style of dueling. Join Yu-Gi-Oh club today! Stop by V-20 to get more information. Look for flyers around campus.

• GSA Club meets Tuesdays in D20 during lunch.

• Interested in crime & punishment? Want to know more about the law and being a lawyer? Come to D18 this Wednesday during lunch for Mock Trial information.

• Book Club meets in D17 every Thursday after school. See Ms Vancelette with any questions.

• BSU (Black Student Union) will be meeting every Friday in room D17. All are welcome!

• The Whosoevers Club will be meeting in V12 every Wednesday at lunch. Snacks provided. All are welcome!
  

• Mariachi club is now Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in the Guitar Room!
  

Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide

Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide Spanish

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.

Hapara Parent Letter English

Hapara Parent Letter Spanish

Vista High School is committed to the Social and Emotional needs of all students.

Social/Emotional Supports & Links

https://vhs.vistausd.org/counseling

Vista Virtual Wellness Center:

https://sites.google.com/view/vhswellnesscenter/home

Community Resources

Wavecrest Cafe Meals

San Diego Food Bank

Brother Benno Oceanside Services

Vista Teen Outreach

Vista Community Clinic

North County LGBTQ Resource Center

North County Lifeline Community Resources

If you have questions, comments, concerns or requests for information you would like to see in the newsletter, please let us know by clicking on the link above. We appreciate your input!

Email: teachername@vistausd.org
Website: http://vhs.vistausd.org
Location: 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-5611