Panther Press
Aug. 23, 2024
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Important Dates and Information
School Year Calendar 2024 - 2025
Sept. 2 - Labor Day, No School
Nov. 1 - No School
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day, No School
Nov. 25 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 23 - Jan 7 - Winter Break
Principal's Update
Happy Friday, Vista High School Families!
We have had a wonderful first full week! We are proud of all of our students for their hard work and a pleasant start to the week. As we get settled, it is important that we get to know you and your family's needs. Be sure to call the attendance office if your student will be absent, as every minute counts! We also encourage you to join our PTSA and get involved!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Principal Ratliff
Coffee with the Principal
Join our Principal, Megan Ratliff at monthly meetings!
English Learner Advisory Committee - We Want You!
Hello families! We would like to invite you to the English Learner Advisory Committee (also called ELAC) informational meeting on Monday, August 26th, 2024 in the library at Vista High School from 5:30-7 pm. This group helps advise the principal on decisions about the programs for students who are English Learner.We encourage all parents and guardians of students who are English Learners to attend.
¡Hola familias! Nos gustaría invitarles a la reunión informativa del Comité Asesor de Estudiantes de Inglés (también llamado ELAC) el lunes 26 de agosto de 2024 en la biblioteca de Vista High School de 5:30-7 pm. Este grupo ayuda a asesorar al Director en las decisiones sobre los programas para los estudiantes que están aprendiendo Inglés. Animamos a todos los padres y tutores de los estudiantes que están aprendiendo Inglés para asistir.
Please see this flyer for more information.
Go Big Red!
US Service Academy Night - Aug. 29
If your son or daughter is interested in becoming an officer in the US Military - this is the event that you don't want to miss. All the military academies and ROTC programs will be presented as well as one-on-one conversations. Our local Congressman Mike Levin will have opening remarks and his staff will be there to help with the nomination process. All students and their parents are welcome.
Parents of IB Students - We Need You!
We would like to recruit 10 volunteers who can attend a Parent Meeting on Thursday, September 5th in the library from 3:15-3:45 pm as part of the IB Evaluation Visit.
They will be asked simple questions by the IB visiting team, such as
1. Why did you decide to have your students participate in the Diploma programme?
2. What have been the high points and low points of the program?
3. What do you think your child has gained from the program?
Please email Leah Power at leahpower@vistausd.org or Alma Pena at almapena@vistausd.org to participate!
Make Up Picture Day - Sept. 13
Missed your chance to get school pictures? We have an on campus make up day on September 13. Order picture packages with the QR Code below!
Off Campus Lunch Pass
The eligibility list will be posted on Sept. 13.
Counseling/Schedule FAQs!
Can I see my counselor to change my schedule?
- Counselors are seeing students with schedule gaps, inappropriate placement, failed classes, or summer school completions. We do not accommodate teacher or period swaps.
When can I drop my AP/IB/Honors class?
- Students can start the drop process on August 19th using the attached add/drop form. This form requires signatures from the teacher, parent, and student. The deadline to submit is September 20th to the counseling center.
What if I want to change my elective class?
- In spring 2024, we collected signed course requests for electives. Therefore, elective changes are not available.
How do I contact my counselor?
- You can email us or stop by during lunch, before, or after school. Counselor contact details are attached.
Counselor Support:
- We’re here for academics, social-emotional learning, and college/career planning. Our wellness center and school social worker are also available. We’ll be starting our lessons soon, beginning with seniors, and will meet with all students individually in the fall and spring.
CuRTSEA Study for 9th Graders
9th Graders! Want to halp our school and earn a few extra bucks? lease follow this link to complete the CuRTSEA study and get $15.
Below is the link (and a QR code if that is your preference) to a consent form. The consent form is for your student to participate in a short survey. The goal of the survey is for students to share their perspectives about teachers so that we can understand ways that teachers can better meet student needs. The survey is part of a research study about culturally responsive teaching which is described in the consent form and the attached flyer. Thank you very much!
Parent/guardian consent form for CuRTSEA study:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7960217/curtsea-vista-high-school?school=Vista+High+School
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A continuación encontrarán el enlace (y un código QR si así lo prefiere) para un formulario de consentimiento. El formulario de consentimiento es para que su estudiante participe en una breve encuesta. El objetivo de la encuesta es que los estudiantes compartan sus perspectivas sobre los maestros para que podamos entender las formas en que los maestros pueden satisfacer mejor las necesidades de los estudiantes. La encuesta forma parte de un estudio de investigación sobre la enseñanza culturalmente receptiva que se describe en el formulario de consentimiento y en el volante adjunto. Muchas gracias.
Formulario de consentimiento de padres/tutores para el estudio CuRTSEA:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7960217/curtsea-vista-high-school?school=Vista+High+School
VHS Happenings
Interested in joining the Academic Team? The Academic Team competes against other schools in trivia. Are you really good in at least one subject in school? You should join! We meet Mondays at lunch in D13.
Anyone interested in learning about being a lawyer? Want to experience a real courtroom and take on a real case? Come check out what it takes to be part of a Mock Trial Team during lunch on Wed. August 28th room D18. Those who have experience from Criminal Class come and check it out; however, no experience is necessary.
Come to BSU! Our Black Student Union is a welcoming group for students of all races and ethnicities. We meet during lunch on Fridays in room S103. See Ms Vancelette if you have questions!
Panthers After Hours is Now Open! Join us in Room I13 before & after school for a fun and supportive environment. Enjoy homework help, games, relaxation, and more! The weight room is also open daily before and after school. Don't miss out on this great opportunity! We hope to see you there!
Attention Gamers. The Panthers After Hours Esports/Video Gaming program has started and is open to all students Monday thru Friday from 3:30 to 4:30pm in room M14. Gaming includes Fortnite, Madden, FIFA, Apex, Smash Bros, and more
Want VHS Gear? Look No Further!
Welcome to Sideline Store, THE place to score personalized spirit wear and accessories from all your favorite brands. For a limited time, enjoy 20% OFF during your VISTA HIGH SCHOOL store’s Grand Opening Sale with code SPIRIT20.
Happy shopping, VISTA HIGH SCHOOL fan!
Back to School Night!
Join us on September 11 from 6-8pm for our Back to School night!
Let's Be Good Neighbors!
Please use the designated drop off area in the new parking lot for dropping off in the morning and picking up students after school. Other locations, such as Bobier Ave and neighboring business lots are not monitored for safety and have the right to tow. We staff our lots with Campus Assistants and Administrators who can assure your student has a safe entry and exit from school. Thank you!
Start Smart - Parking Permit Requirement
See below for information on our Start Smart Safe Driving program. This is a requirement for those students that wish to park on campus. Students must attend with a parent or guardian, and can attend sessions at either VHS or RBV! See below for more information.
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!
Bike Safety Training - Required for Sticker
Do you ride your bike to school? A new requirement for riding to school is to attend Bike Safety Training. A training will take place on August 24 from 9am to 10am ONLINE. See flyers below to register. We are planning to schedule an assembly on Bike Safety as well - stay tuned for that!
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.
August’s Teen Book of the Month (Ages 13 and up)
My Life With the Walter Boys : One Girl
One girl. Twelve Boys. One Roof. centers on the prim, proper, and always perfect Jackie Howard. When prim, proper and always perfect Jackie Howard ‘s world is turned upside down by tragedy, Jackie must learn to cut loose and be part of a family again.
Pickle for the Pantry - August 24
Help fill our pantries for the Vista Teen Outreach program while having fun!
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.
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?
Need a Work Permit?
PSST World
Go HERE to check it out or to make a report.
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
Suggestions?
Vista High School
Email: teachername@vistausd.org
Website: http://vhs.vistausd.org
Location: 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-5611