Bulldog News

Hello Families,

This month is National Attendance Awareness Month! While school attendance is important year-round, this is an opportunity to emphasize the immense value of consistent school attendance for your child’s success, no matter what grade they’re in.

I am urging all Vista Academy students to be “Attendance H.E.R.O.s” - Here. Everyday. Ready. On-time.

Even missing just two days a month can add up, whether the absences are excused or not. I recently heard the astounding statistic that if a student misses school two days a month, K-12, that is equivalent to being absent for an entire school year! Every day a student is not at school, they miss out on vital learning opportunities. Each lesson builds upon the last, making every day count, so your child doesn’t fall behind.

Countless research studies show that students who attend school regularly are significantly more likely to achieve proficient academic levels in reading and math, do better on tests, as well as likelier to graduate and be successful in future endeavors. Consistent attendance also fosters social skills, allowing students to develop relationships with peers and staff, thereby building a sense of belonging and enhancing their desire to attend school.

We would appreciate your cooperation and partnership in helping to reduce tardies and absences. We can accomplish this together by:

• Establishing Consistent Routines: Maintaining a regular bedtime and morning routine can make a significant difference. A good night's sleep and a calm morning can set the tone for the day. Your child can also come to school early for a free and nutritious breakfast served on campus.
• Planning Ahead: Schedule medical appointments and family vacations outside of school hours or during school breaks. This ensures that your child won't miss essential classroom time. If your child will miss an extended period of school, reach out to your school about independent study options.
• Staying Engaged: Regularly check in with your child about their school experiences and keep in touch with their teachers or counselors. This can help you identify any potential issues that might be causing reluctance or hesitancy in attending school.
• Emphasizing the Importance of Attendance: Talk with your children about why going to school every day is crucial. Help them understand that apart from learning, school attendance also nurtures other essential life skills such as responsibility, determination, and the importance of hard work.
• Reaching Out for Help: Let your child’s school counselor, teacher, or principal know if you are experiencing barriers or hardship in getting your child to school; there may be assistance available.

We recognize that unexpected events such as illness can't always be avoided. Still, with proactive planning and a shared understanding of the importance of school attendance, we can collectively ensure our students are given the best opportunities to succeed both academically and socially.

Thank you for your commitment to your child's education.

Please read below for information and upcoming events,

September 19: ELAC - 8:15 AM in the PAC

September 20: Picture Day

September 29: Bulldog Campout

October 6: Make Up Picture Day

School Calendar for Next Year:

2023-2024 School Year Calendar

Calendario Escolar - Año 2023-2024

The Vista Academy School Site Council (SSC) reviews the academic programs at our school to develop a plan for school funding to support student success. The SSC usually meets four times a year with parents, students, and school staff.

Thank you to all the parents who have expressed interest in joining our SSC. We have more interested parents than SSC spaces available, so please use this form to cast your vote for SSC parent members this year by Friday 9/22. Thanks!

There are limited spots available, so please reserve your tickets online.

Before the pandemic, we had a club called GRR (Get Ready and Run). This was a morning club that anyone could participate in: students and parents! During this club, the students and families walk or run laps on the track to earn small running/feet key chains and recognition at the Bulldog Boogie.

We are trying to bring this amazing club back, but we need your help! We need parent volunteers to help run the club. We would like to run the club Monday-Friday, 7:30-7:50. We need help punching cards when students run laps, and supervising students on the field. If you are interested please fill out this form and we will be in contact with you soon! Thank you!

School Tours will begin on September 14th. Please meet in the front office for a tour with Mrs. Untalan.

Our students' safety is a top priority. We have noticed that several people have been disregarding our traffic and pick up/ drop off procedures. These rules are in place to keep your children safe. No rush is worth a child's life. Please do not speed in our parking lot, cut off cars or cross anywhere outside of a designated crosswalk. It may seem much faster to wave your children across the lanes because you don't want to park and get out of your car or use the crosswalk, but it is not safe. Please set a good example for your children and all the other families trying to get thier children to and from school safely.

Also, please do not stop on Santa Fe and drop off your student on the side of the busy street. Kindergarten families must park and walk their children to gate. Please do not pull up and let your kindergartener out on the street. We also have limited disabled parking spaces in our front two lots. Please do not park or double park in the disabled spaces as these are reserved for disabled drivers with disabled placards only.

Monday - Friday

8:00 AM - 2:10 PM

*Gates open at 7:30 AM for breakfast. Students may not be dropped off before 7:30 AM for safety since we do not provide supervision before 7:30.

This school year, breakfast will be available to students before school from 7:30-7:50 AM. Second Chance breakfast will no longer be offered during first recess. Students are welcome to bring a snack to the tables during recess time, but they are encouraged to come to school early if they would like a free breakfast from the cafeteria.

Breakfast and lunch is free for all students at Vista Academy. You do not need to fill out an application.

Fruit and salad bar is also available. For more information please visit:

Here is the link to the Mobile Device Coverage Protection Plan. Renewal begins July 1st and ends June 30th each school year.

This Plan is $20 for two incidents and is available at the following link. https://vusd.myschoolcentral.com/

As an FYI: Cracked or damaged screen replacement per incident = $150

Chromebook total damage replacement per incident = $322

Power adapters are not included in the plan

The purpose of Vista Unified’s AM-PM program is to provide academic support, fun enrichment activities and positive peer interactions within a physically and emotionally safe environment

2023-2024 AM-PM Comprehensive Program Application

You will need your student's 9 digit ID number which can be found in Parent Portal.

The AM-PM Comprehensive Program is free to the following students:

1. Students who are defined as homeless youth, as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

2. Students who are in the foster youth program

3. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch based on federal guidelines

For families who do not fall into one of the above categories, the following fee-based

structures apply:

One Student

AM Care only: $7.00 per day

PM Care only: $15.00 per day

AM & PM Care: $20.00 per day

Multi Student Discount

(each additional student within the same family)

AM Care only: $3.50 per day

PM Care only: $7.50 per day

AM & PM Care: $10.00 per day

*Fees are billed by the month at the daily rate.

Vista Unified is committed to providing equitable access and resources across the district for all students to reach their full potential.

2023-2024 AM-PM Comprehensive Program Application

Submitting an application does not guarantee placement in the 2023-2024 AM-PM Program

The AM-PM Comprehensive Program is free to the following students:

1. Students who are defined as homeless youth, as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

2. Students who are in the foster youth program

3. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch based on federal guidelines

For families who do not fall into one of the above categories, a fee-based structure is available.

APPLICATION RATING SYSTEM:

Starting in the fall of 2023, students will be accepted for participation in the AM-PM Comprehensive Program based on the application rating system detailed below. Once a site’s AM-PM Comprehensive Program has reached its capacity, students not accepted for participation will be placed on an interest list, in the same order of priority, and will be accepted as space becomes available. Each application will be prioritized using the following rating system:

Student participated in the AM-PM Program during the 1 point

during the 2022-2023 school year.

Single parent household OR families with one parent/guardian 1 point

currently on military deployment (a copy of orders may be

required upon request).

All parents/guardians living with the child are employed full time 1 point

(40 hours per week) and/or are full time students (enrolled with

at least 12 units).

Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch based on federal 1 point

guidelines.

Student receives services for learning English as a second language. 1 point

Total Points Possible: 5 points

Students verified as homeless or foster youth will receive the maximum number of points possible.

El propósito del programa AM-PM del Distrito Escolar de Vista es brindar apoyo académico, actividades divertidas de enriquecimiento e interacciones positivas entre compañeros dentro de un ambiente físico y emocionalmente seguro.

Enlace para Aplicar para el año escolar 2023-2024

Necesitará el número de identificación de 9 dígitos de su estudiante cuál se encuentra en portal para los padres.

El enviar una solicitud no garantiza la colocación en el Programa AM-PM 2023-2024

El Programa Integral AM-PM es gratuito para los siguientes estudiantes:

1. Estudiantes que se definen como jóvenes sin hogar, según se define en la Ley federal de asistencia para personas sin hogar McKinney-Vento

2. Estudiantes que están en el programa de jóvenes de crianza

3. Estudiantes que califican para almuerzo gratis o a precio reducido según las pautas federales

Para las familias que no pertenecen a una de las categorías anteriores, aplican las siguientes estructuras de pago:

Un estudiante

AM Solamente: $7.00 por día

PM Solamente: $15.00 por día

AM y PM $20.00 por día

Descuento Multi Estudiante

(cada estudiante dentro de la misma familia adicional)

AM Solamente: $3.50 por día

PM Solamente: $7.50 por día

AM y PM: $10.00 por día

Las tarifas se facturan mensualmente según el costo diario.

Aplica ya: Solicitud del Programa Integral AM-PM 2023-2024

El Programa Integral AM-PM es gratuito para los siguientes estudiantes:

1. Estudiantes que se definen como jóvenes sin hogar, según se define en la Ley federal de asistencia para personas sin hogar McKinney-Vento

2. Estudiantes que están en el programa de jóvenes de crianza

3. Estudiantes que califican para almuerzo gratis o a precio reducido según las pautas federales

Para familias que no pertenecen a ninguna de las categorías anteriores, hay estructuras de pago disponibles

SISTEMA DE CLASIFICACIÓN DE SOLICITUDES:

A partir del otoño de 2023, los estudiantes serán aceptados para participar en el Programa integral AM-PM según el sistema de clasificación de solicitudes que se detalla a continuación. Una vez que el Programa Integral AM-PM de un sitio haya alcanzado su capacidad, los estudiantes que no sean aceptados para participar serán colocados en una lista de interés en el mismo orden de prioridad, y serán aceptados a medida que haya espacio disponible.

Cada solicitud se priorizará utilizando el siguiente sistema de calificación:

El estudiante participó en el Programa AM-PM durante el año 1 punto

Escolar 2022-2023

Hogar monoparental O familias con un padre/tutor actualmente 1 punto

en despliegue militar (una copia de las órdenes puede ser requerida)

Todos lo padres/tutores que viven con el estudiante trabajan de 1 punto

tiempo completo (40 horas por semana) y/o (son estudiantes inscritos

con por lo menos 12 unidades)

El estudiante recibe servicios para aprender inglés como segunda lengua 1 punto

Estudiantes que califiquen para almuerzo gratis o reducido basado en 1 punto

pautas federales

Total de Puntos posibles: 5 puntos

Los estudiantes verificados como jóvenes sin hogar o de crianza recibirán la máxima cantidad de puntos posible.

Please read the attached flyers that explain our school policy for checking out students early.

We love our volunteers and cannot wait to welcome you on campus!

In order for volunteers to help in classrooms or outdoor spaces, here are the requirements:

• Must complete the VUSD Volunteer Application
• Review the Code of Conduct (images below)
• Must complete a TB questionnaire. If you have not had a history of TB, then you do the lab test. Please email our school nurse, Brenda VanDerPol, with any questions at brendavanderpol@vistausd.org.

If you are interested in being an Essential Volunteer, please

1. Submit your paperwork to Ms. AnaKaren in the office.
   
2. Reach out to your teacher for volunteer opportunities OR any of our specialty teachers. Must pre-arrange to volunteer. Thank you!

We look forward to welcoming back all of our volunteers. Thank you for your cooperation!

Please bring your ID when coming into the office. An ID is needed to check students out and all visitors must scan their ID to enter school. Thank you for your help.

Click the position below for more information and the district application. We are looking for the following team members:

Instructional Assistant

Instructional Assistant - Behavior Intervention

Resources for Newcomers and Refugees

We have several Foundation Board members that are retiring after this school year and we are looking to fill many positions including President and Vice President. Our wonderful current board would like to recruit and start training anyone interested so we can hit the ground running next year.

Our favorite community and school events are made possible by our Foundation Board and volunteers. Please consider joining this amazing team! No previous experience is needed, we will train you!

If you are interested in being part of our Foundation and have any questions, please reach out to president@vistaacademyfoundation.com

Our outstanding Foundation/PTO is ready to support our students for the 23-24 school year.

There are many ways to support our teachers and students and our Foundation has set up several options for you below.

As a Vista Academy family you are encouraged to register on the Vista Academy Foundation Website. You will have access to all the Foundation/PTO tookit. SIgn up HERE.

To get the most up to date information, ask questions, make comments, and share thoughts with other Vista Academy families, join our “Families of Vista Academy” Facebook group at www.Facebook.com/groups/1692479804104789

• School Parent Compact

• Parent and Family Engagement Policy

The office will be open to assist families from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help in any way we can.

Phone: 760-941-0880

Email:

General Information: anakarengarcia@vistausd.org

Registration/Health/Attendance Concerns: sharonortega@vistausd.org

Registration/General Information: rosysimmonds@vistausd.org

Parent Liaison: alanmendezmoro@vistausd.org

Principal: benjiewalker@vistausd.org

Por teléfono celular haga clic en el círculo con la persona de manos extendidas.

Por computadora haga clic en "Translate Newsletter" en el cuadro negro en el lado derecho de la pantalla y luego seleccione su idioma.

Vista Unified School District prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment, based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender-identity, or gender expression, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. VUSD requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Email: vistaacademyes@vistausd.org
Website: vapa.vistausd.org
Location: 600 North Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 760-941-0880
Twitter: @VistaAVPA