Community Update
October 27, 2022
Fantastic Festival of the Arts
We had an absolutely fantastic Festival of the Arts this past Saturday. We had 33 performances ranging from impressive choirs, to colorful dancers, to incredible bands, to amazing violinists, our first Mariachi, and many different ukulele groups. The fine art work displays were everywhere, displaying the talent and creativity of our students from elementary to high school. The attendance was impressive, too, with nearly 10,000 family and community members eagerly moving through the downtown Vista venue, appreciating the art, listening to the music, and watching the many different dance groups. We want to thank all of the student performers, the teachers, and staff who work so hard to make this event the best ever. Bravo!
Teacher Collaboration to Support the Whole Child
Teacher collaboration positively affects the whole school community, and evidence suggests that it improves teacher quality as professionals. Furthermore, studies show that professional teacher collaboration has a positive effect on student achievement. This is why in Vista Unified we have created a model within our elementary schools to allow grade level teachers to collaborate with their administrators on the improvement and implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). What is MTSS? MTSS is a multi-step process of providing instruction and support to promote the academic and behavioral success of all children. This is important because the MTSS structure allows schools to identify struggling students quickly and work through a strategic plan to intervene. This encompasses the needs of the whole child: academics, behavior, social emotional, and absenteeism.
We have brought together a group of highly qualified teachers to release grade level teams during the school day six times throughout the year for a two and a half hour block. These teachers rotate into classes and present engaging lessons with hands-on activities in the areas of English language arts, art appreciation, math enrichment, and STEM. During this time, the school site teachers are able to collaborate with administrators and various experts.
This collaboration model allows for professional development, improved school culture, and data to guide decision making and gives staff a shared sense of responsibility to all students. We are delighted to bring this opportunity to our elementary schools.
Continuing the Fight Against Fentanyl
In our quest to inform and educate, Vista Unified remains united with our parents and community in keeping its children safe. Over the past few weeks, Drug Ambassador Rocky Herron presented on the dangers of fentanyl use at several of our middle and high schools. Thousands of Vista Unified students heard the message, “one pill can kill '' and how drug use can destroy their lives. We encourage families to visit our Health and Safety webpage for additional resources on fentanyl abuse and other things harming our youth.
On October 18th, Rocky presented his message, “The Perfect Storm”, to parents at a Community Forum. His message explored how social media, mental health concerns, and peer relations cause more and more children to seek ways to cope by numbing their feelings through drug use. Rocky not only encouraged parents but also educated them on the signs to watch for in their children. We invite those who were unable to attend to watch Rocky’s powerful presentation.
Click HERE to view the Zoom video recording of the entire forum.
Rocky will be back for the Spanish presentation of “The Perfect Storm” on Thursday, November 3rd from 6-7:30 pm. Join our Community Forum using the link below:
State Assessment Results
The California Department of Education released the state assessment results for the 2021-2022 school year yesterday. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) provides academic achievement data in English language, math, and science. The English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) provides progress in English language development for our English Language Learners. Please follow this link to access CAASPP and ELPAC results for Vista Unified, as well as the entire state of California. Vista Unified recognizes CAASPP and ELPAC results as important data, but it is only one type of data when considering student progress. That is why Vista Unified is in the process of developing a Performance Framework that incorporates a full spectrum of performance tasks to determine student performance and progress and to inform teaching and learning.
California State of Emergency to End
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom announced that the State of California has the tools needed to continue the fight against COVID-19, so he will terminate the current State of Emergency order effective February 23, 2023.
As a district, we will continue our promise to monitor COVID-19 trends and provide updates on any effects of COVID-19 in our schools. As previously announced, we are sunsetting weekly COVID-19 testing during the school day. For those in need of a COVID-19 test, the Inspire testing clinics at RBV High School, Vista High School and the Vista Innovation Center will remain open to the community.
In the coming days, the Bivalent booster will be available to children ages 5 and up. For those interested, please visit the Vista Innovation Center. Vaccines are provided Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Sincerely,
Matt Doyle, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Vista Unified School District
Vista Unified School District
Email: webmaster@vistausd.org
Website: vistausd.org
Location: 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: (760) 726-2170
Twitter: @VistaBlueprint