We will be holding a Special Board meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office so that the school board may consider transportation services regarding the new VIDA location. More information is posted to the website.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is coming soon. This annual state assessment helps measure student learning and growth in key subjects. Starting in April and May, students in grades 3-8 and 11 will take assessments in English Language Arts and Math, and students in grades 5, 8 and grade 11 or 12 will also take a Science assessment. These computer-based tests help students prepare for the future by building skills like problem-solving, writing, and critical thinking. The tests also help teachers and schools understand how well students are learning, ensuring they get effective lessons and the right support.
Parents can help their students get ready for the CAASPP assessments. Here are resources for parents and students that you can access at home:
Parent Information
Student Practice
Starting Smarter – CAASPP - Go to the “Check out the test questions” section for practice problems and answer keys.
CAASPP Practice & Training Tests - Help your student learn the test format, use helpful tools, and practice answering questions.
Smarter Balanced – Sample Questions & Essays - See question types and view sample student essays with scoring explanations.
How Parents Can Help
Encourage your students to keep a positive attitude, and always praise their effort and growth.
Remind students that they are capable and prepared to show their learning.
Encourage healthy habits: Get 8-10 hours of sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, get daily exercise, and arrive at school on time each day.
Talk to your teachers about how to support learning at home.
We appreciate your support to help your students practice and build confidence so they are ready to shine on the CAASPP!
As we enter state testing season, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about students’ mental health, particularly for our seniors who are facing the added pressures of preparing for graduation. The stress of exams, final assignments, and the uncertainty of the future can weigh heavily on students during this time. Supporting them through this challenging period means recognizing the signs of stress, offering encouragement, and fostering a sense of balance. Seniors, in particular, may be navigating both the excitement and anxiety of closing one chapter of their lives while preparing for the next. By checking in on their well-being, offering resources, and creating a supportive environment, families and schools may sense hidden anxiety or pressure and be able to provide support. Vista Unified is proud to be a leader in prioritizing counselors and social workers at all of its sites, providing students with immediate support. Families can visit the district’s Student Wellbeing page for additional resources.
Summer School Opportunities - Vista Unified is excited to offer a variety of summer learning opportunities for students at all grade levels. 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. A multilingual elementary program will also be available for Spanish Dual Language Immersion students, First-Year Newcomers, and At-Risk Long-Term English Language Learners. Elementary School Sites will select students that will be attending the program. The AM-PM summer program, "To Summer and Beyond," will run from June 9 - August 1, 2025, at no cost, offering TK-7th grade students engaging activities, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences at select school sites.
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.. Middle school students can also participate in the AM/PM enrichment program to extend their learning day. 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. More details on enrollment and program specifics will be shared in the coming weeks.
At the regular Board meeting of March 6, 2025, the Board of Education approved a number of exciting facility projects that will take place this summer. Over the last several years the District has focused on facility improvements with Measure LL which have included new buildings and improvements across the District including the current reconstruction of Bobier Elementary School. While improvements take place at all schools during each summer, this grouping of summer projects is funded through a special resource and will include an investment of $13,500,000 dollars. This special projects group is for specific roofing, painting, playgrounds, asphalt/concrete, grounds, fencing, and various classroom improvements at more than 15 schools across the district. You can learn more about these improvements by reviewing the Board agenda item by clicking here.
Vista Unified School District
Email: webmaster@vistausd.org
Website: vistausd.org
Location: 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-2170
Twitter: @VistaBlueprint