Students from Rancho Buena Vista’s CTE Construction program are working with Warrior Village Project to build a movable tiny home. This outstanding project will allow students to learn many aspects of residential construction including framing, siding, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These skills will prepare them for high paying careers in the construction industry.
On Wednesday, September 18th, our students joined peers from four other school districts to work on their tiny houses at the AGC Training Center in Lakeside (Associated General Contractors of America). They learned from professional tradespeople while completing various facets of their build.
To learn more about this worthy project benefiting wounded veterans please check out the local media coverage here:
Translation Day, celebrated on September 30, honors the work of translators, interpreters, and language professionals who play a critical role in fostering understanding and communication between cultures. Translators are vital in school settings, where they help bridge language gaps between students, parents, and educators. By facilitating communication in diverse classrooms, translators ensure that non-native speakers receive equal access to education, participate in school activities, and understand important information, fostering inclusivity and enhancing student success. The day highlights the importance of translation in promoting peace, bridging cultural divides, and supporting international cooperation. Vista Unified is grateful for its team of translators and the great work they do for students and families.
As part of our district’s commitment to fostering the VUSD Learner Portrait Competencies, this Community Update focuses on helping students develop into Self-aware, Capable, and Hopeful Adults. Supporting your child’s emotional well-being, self-awareness, and sense of belonging is essential to their overall mental health and resilience.
Encouraging self-awareness helps students recognize their unique strengths and talents. For example, asking reflective questions like, “What makes you feel proud of yourself?” can help your child develop a strong sense of self. Additionally, fostering independence through practical life skills, such as managing money or organizing their schedule, empowers them to feel more capable and confident as they navigate challenges.
We encourage you to continue these important conversations at home. Read more here for additional ways you can support your child in becoming a self-aware, capable, and hopeful adult.
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of suicide and the importance of mental health. The month serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Through education, open conversations, and support, Suicide Awareness Month encourages people to recognize the warning signs of suicide and take action to help those in crisis. It also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, so individuals feel more comfortable seeking help when they need it. Whether through sharing resources, offering support, or simply being there for someone, the message of this month is clear: everyone can make a difference, and no one should face their struggles alone.
Parents and Guardians can visit suicideispreventable.org for more information on knowing the signs and finding the words to help talk with their children. The number 988 is the new nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It was introduced in July 2022 as a quick and easy-to-remember number for individuals experiencing mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.
By dialing 988, people are connected to trained counselors who can provide support and help connect them to additional resources if necessary. It functions similarly to 911 but is specifically focused on mental health and emotional well-being emergencies.
The lifeline is available 24/7 and is designed to be a free, confidential service.
As we start into the 2024-2025 school year, the Legislative Analysis Office, the state team responsible for providing financial advice to the legislature, has released their first outlook for this school year. Based upon their analysis, they predict that there are more funding shortfalls on the horizon. In their estimate, at the state level they see additional funding shortfalls that move their estimates from the current planning of 47 million dollars to that of 55 million dollars. What does this mean to our schools? This is an indication that there may be additional calls for funding cuts in the following school year (2025-2026). However, the LAO does not typically start their forecast for next year’s financial projections until December of each year. The District will continue to closely monitor the state budget situation and its impact on the services we provide to students in our district.
For those who have lived in this area for a while, we know Fall comes with a heightened threat of wildfires. Please be reassured that Vista Unified remains committed to proactive measures to PLAN, PREPARE, and PREVENT as the potential threat of wildfires to our Vista and Oceanside communities is always present.
PLAN – At the start of the school year, site administrators collaborate with staff to review and update safety procedures for all types of emergencies. This includes updating the Comprehensive School Safety Plan and related safety documents for each school site.
PREPARE - Each school conducts fire drills to ensure students and staff are well-prepared in case of a fire on or near campus. These drills emphasize behavioral expectations during an emergency, along with ensuring everyone knows the location of their designated assembly area.
PREVENT – The Vista Unified Maintenance and Grounds Departments play a key role in reducing fire risks by maintaining school buildings and surrounding areas.
In the event of a significant wildfire, our district will work closely with local fire departments to assess the threat and determine the appropriate actions. If evacuation becomes necessary, families will receive timely updates via the district website at www.vistausd.org and through ParentSquare, our district’s mass communication platform.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT THINGS TO DO AT HOME
Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms (test them tonight)
Have a fire extinguisher near your kitchen
Have backup flashlights and alternative lighting for use during power outages. . . NO CANDLES
Maintain a 72-hour supply of food, water, and medication
Learn “Hands Only’ CPR
Buy/Install/retrofit fire sprinklers
Install security cameras/alarms
Make sure your homeowner’s/renter’s insurance has the right coverage, acknowledges your Insurance Services Office (ISO) protection class as well as your distance to a fire station and fire hydrant
Check your oven before you turn it on (make sure nothing is left inside and has no grease and food build up)
Don’t overload electrical circuits
To learn more about how to prepare for a Wildfire at home, visit CalFire’s website.
Vista USD & Cal State San Marcos Launch Innovative Dual-Enrollment Opportunity
Kids In Need Foundation & Toyota Carlsbad Partner with Vista USD to Provide Backpacks & School Supplies to 400 Students
Vista Unified School District
Email: webmaster@vistausd.org
Website: vistausd.org
Location: 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-2170
Twitter: @VistaBlueprint