Panther Press
Sept. 13, 2024
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Important Dates and Information
School Year Calendar 2024 - 2025
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, VHS Families!
Thank you for joining us at our 2024 Back To School Night! We hope you found our campus to be welcoming and had a chance to connect with your student's teachers. If you have feedback for us, we welcome your input here.
VHS Back to School Night 2024 Feedback
This week we have been learning about the Character Pillar of "Respect" and all the many ways we can show respect to others, both at school and in our daily lives. Ask your student if they have earned a "Panther Point" for displaying positive character at school!
We invite you to join us tonight for another home football game. This week is Military Appreciation Night! To all of our military families, we thank you for your service.
Have a wonderful weekend, Panthers! Rest up, check your grades, and get ready for the end of the first grading period and progress reports coming up soon!
Mrs. Ratliff
Coffee with the Principal
Join our Principal, Megan Ratliff at monthly meetings!
Back to School Night
We enjoyed seeing our students and families on Wednesday at our Back to School night! Below is a video of our VHS Band performing The Star Spangled Banner during the evening.
Didn't make it? Check out our virtual Back to School Night page HERE!
VHS Seniors!
Attention Vista High School Seniors,
Monday morning you will receive an extremely important email and text message from Jostens regarding the order process for graduation items. Jostens is presenting graduation information to the senior class at school Monday, Sept. 16 and that week is the group order time to get the best prices of the school year.
Your senior will come home Monday with a packet of order information from Jostens. The graduation items include graduation announcements, class jewelry, senior keepsakes, senior apparel, and most importantly your cap and gown. Jostens has opened up the option to order online, or through the local office they have in Poway. If you have any questions once you review the information from Jostens, or if you do not receive the information Monday morning, please email our Jostens rep at mark.boyer@jostens.com.
Monday starts SENIOR WEEK, so we are asking you to place your graduation order this week. Thank you.
Mark Boyer
Graduation Specialist
Friday Morning Celebrations
At VHS, Friday mornings are a special celebration! As students and staff enter the front gate, they are greeted with lively music, thanks to Ms. Laura Reynoso, our School Psychologist, who started this tradition in 2018.
Our VHS administrators and support staff join the festivities, creating an energetic atmosphere. Some students respond with a cheerful “HAPPY FRIDAY!” while others offer a friendly wave or a nod. The highlight of the morning often includes spontaneous dance performances to favorite tunes!
A dedicated group of student greeters makes this event truly memorable. They deliver cheerful greetings, offer snacks and stickers, and most importantly, build connections and foster a strong sense of community.
Meet your VHS Student Greeters:
Ana Merino (Senior): As the Lead Greeter for three years, Ana sets the example with her bright and early arrival, come rain or shine. Alongside her role as a greeter, she is a member of the basketball team, and the Outdoor Club, and serves as the Theatre staff manager.
Kayla Villalobos (Senior): A three-year greeter, Kayla is an AP scholar, Theatre Actor, and the ITS clerk for the Drama Club. She also holds a leadership position in JROTC as the Senior Staff Operations Officer.
Patton Guerra (Senior): In her second year as a greeter, Patton is an IB Scholar and a Theatre Actor involved in the drama club.
Fatima Cervantes (Senior): A first-year greeter, Fatima is an AP and IB student and Outdoor Club member.
Yeraldin Martinez (Senior): Another first-year greeter, Yeraldin is an AP and IB student.
Join us every Friday for a morning filled with good vibes and cheerful smiles!
Vista Chamber of Commerce Rising Star for September
Congratulations to VHS student Nayleen Griffith who is the Vista Chamber of Commerce Rising Star for the month of September!
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Monday, Sept. 16 at 5:30pm is the next ELAC Meeting! Please join us. The agenda is attached below.
Parking Passed Now REQUIRED
Reminder, starting Monday, September 16, 2024, 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.
School Site Council Parent Members Needed!
The Vista High School School Site Council is a group of elected parent, student, and staff representatives who meet to advise the school on decisions related to budget, programming, and school goals.
Vista High School is in need of three parent members. There is one mandatory meeting per month, which takes place on the following dates:
Thursdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: September 26, October 17, November 21, December 12, January 23, February 20, March 20, April 24, May 22
If you would like to nominate yourself to run for School Site Council, please fill out the form here!
24-25 School Site Council Parent Members
Nominations are due Monday, Sept. 16.
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
Food Deliveries for Students
If you wish to bring food to your student during the school day, you are now required to check in with the attendance or front office staff in order to leave lunches or meals. We need to ensure the safety of your students and will not accept food from non family members, guardians or emergency contacts. Thank you for your understanding!
Homecoming Dance - Sept. 28
The Homecoming dance is on Sept. 28 in the school gym. Tickets are available now in the finance office!
Seniors - Workshops for College
Need Help with Applications or Financial Aid paperwork? Come to C13 after school on Wednesdays starting Sept. 18!
2024 PSAT REGISTRATION
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
When: Wednesday October 30, 2024
Where: Vista High School S-Flex (S 203 and S 204)
Time: 7:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $20 payable at Total Registration: https://user.totalregistration.net/register/psat/get_student_email_status.php?ceeb=053675&isSchool=1
About the PSAT:
The PSAT or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a great tool for students considering college. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing skills. Vista High School recommends that students take the PSAT/NMSQT in order to receive feedback about strengths and weaknesses, enter the competition for National Merit Scholar scholarships (11th graders) and to help prepare for the SAT.
Registration:
For the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT, students at Vista High School will be registering online. This registration will take a few minutes and can be completed from any computer with internet access.
Online Exam registration will begin on Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 7:00 AM and end on Fri, Sep 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM. In order to register, students should click on the link provided on the school website or visit www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/053675 to register . To complete registration, students must answer all of the required questions. Registration is not complete until students have printed the pdf of the confirmation page that is provided at the end.
Payment:
Vista High School is excited to offer families the convenience of paying exam fees online at the time of registration. Please be sure to have a debit or credit card available before beginning registration. Paying online is a great way to make sure that payment has been made while avoiding mailing payment.
Deadlines:
Here are the important dates for the registration process:
Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 7:00 AM - Registration Begins
Fri, Sep 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Registration Ends
Mon, Sep 23, 2024 - Registrations that have not been paid for will be canceled and exams will not be ordered.
Please contact Ms Ola Hadi, olahadi@vistausd.org , if you have questions.
Registration Site:
https://user.totalregistration.net/register/psat/get_student_email_status.php?ceeb=053675&isSchool=1
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!
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!
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! If you would like PTSA swag, check out their PTSA STORE
The Princess Project Fundraiser
This year we are hosting a few $5 Dress Sale Fundraiser days at Mission Valley Mall.
Our store is absolutely full to the brim with dresses for winter formal, cocktail, Mother of the Bride, Halloween/costume, business and dressy casual events, and more! (We also have specially priced bridal and Quince dresses.) If you know anyone who needs a dress for an upcoming event, or would just like to come shop to support us, please feel free to share this flyer!
Our dress store is located at Mission Valley Mall. We are next to DXL Men’s Store, and directly across from LensCrafters. Our closest anchor store is Macys Home Goods.
All guests who would like to shop on any of our dress sale days will need to individually register. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your ticket today! Visit our website at www.princessprojectsd.org to register to attend!
Sunday, September 22nd 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
High School Students & Staff Only (no guests)- $5 Dress Pre-Public Sale
Saturday, September 28th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
$5 Dress Sale (Public may sign up)
Visit our website at princessprojectsd.org to learn more about our free prom dress giveaways, special events, donating, and our volunteer opportunities!
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.
Attention CSF members! Fall 2024 applications are NOW OPEN, due September 10th for all new and returning members. Late submissions must wait until January to re-apply. Need help? Visit T303 or email Ms. Brooks. Join the Google Classroom with code: pinqr7g. Be sure to upload your application, Service Log (if applicable), and payment receipt.
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!
Science Olympiad! Interested in robotics, chemistry and other science related topics? See Mr. Darling in T201 for more information on this club!
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!
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?
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
Suggestions?
Vista High School
Email: teachername@vistausd.org
Website: http://vhs.vistausd.org
Location: 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-5611