Week one of the 2020-2021 school year is in the books, and the return to teaching and learning in the virtual landscape is off to a successful start. By the end of the day Thursday, we had nearly 100% of students "engaged", meaning they have connected with their classes and are able to navigate Canvas. We did encounter a few hiccups as we got started--namely Zoom meeting access--but we were able to work through many of the "bugs" relatively quickly. We will continue to work through the challenges and hurdles that may arise to ensure that students are able to access course content, their teachers, and their peers. Additionally, our Counseling team is working very hard to address schedule changes and requests.

Textbook distribution began Wednesday and will continue through next week. Please be sure to come on your designated day and designated window of time. All students must have their ID card, wear a mask, and adhere to social distancing protocol that will be in place.

As is the case every year, course change requests are available on the MVHS Counseling Webpage, and changes will be considered if there is room in courses and the course change aligns to students' post-secondary goals. The deadline to submit a course change request is Monday (Sept. 14th).

This year's schedule is particularly "tight as we essentially built two separate master schedules--one for Vista Virtual and one for Vista Classic. All schedule requests will be reviewed; however, unfortunately, not will be able to be honored due to seat limitations or period conflicts.

Counselors have been working relentlessly to process schedule changes in order to meet students' needs, and if possible, requests. This process takes time, and requests are being processed in order of the timestamp on the submitted form. Please note - it may be several days before students hear back regarding their request. Please do not email requests to your counselor; instead, use the form below.

Schedule Change Request Page (click link for your assigned counselor)

Video Tutorial: How to submit a course change request

Peer Tutor/TA

Senior Unscheduled Period

Forms Page

Please review the MVHS Student Expectations for Virtual Learning

Students are expected to participate in class every day. For videoconference calls, students are strongly encouraged to use their video feature as it adds to classroom culture, engagement, and general learning.

MVHS Online Ettiquette:

• Be friendly, patient, and positive
• Have a designated area to complete your schoolwork
• Keep your computer fully charged
• Consider what's in your background when you are participating in a videoconference call
• Make sure everyone gets a chance to participate in the lesson
• Make an effort to keep your video on so everyone can see you
• Use school-appropriate language
• Dress in school-appropriate clothing

Students are expected to engage each day with each of their classes. Our teachers will be taking attendance every period, every day. Students who are not engaging with their classes online will be marked absent.

Canvas, the new Learner Management System (LMS) for VUSD will be the primary landing spot for all course information, content, and learning engagement. Click on the Vista Institute for Parents (VIP) button above for resources and information to navigate the Canvas platform.

Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1st at 6pm. This will be a virtual event, and more details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Test Prep Opportunity:

Is your student planning to take the SAT? ACT? PSAT? Help them prepare by signing up for one of our Fall Online Boot Camps! And support MVHS PTSA at the same time! Click here for more information and to register.

Our Vision is to be the model of educational excellence through discovery, innovation, and growth.

Our Purpose is to empower students to be self-directed, creative, and critical thinkers who persevere to positively impact the interconnected world.

We Value mutual respect, collaboration, integrity, originality, and intellectual curiosity that prepare our students to become integral members of society.

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL TIMBERWOLVES FOUNDATION FOR

SPONSORING THE WOLF PACK WEEKLY!