Community Update
October 4, 2022
Framework for the Future - Living our Values
I recently outlined our new vision for the future and the set of three portraits (Learner, Adult, and System) that were developed to amplify and elevate all students in their quest to achieve our vision.
Our Vision: Every student graduates from Vista Unified as a resilient, agile learner and creative problem solver who navigates the world with confidence and kindness and eagerly embraces local and global challenges.
Leaders from all of our schools have already started the process of socializing our new vision. This initial process is important because it gives our community members (students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members) the time and space to think about the vision and make connections to how they can have an impact on how this vision becomes real in Vista Unified.
I can tell you that the first, most impactful commitment we all can make in setting the conditions for our vision to become a reality is to align our behavior (both individual and collective) to our district values. We developed these values at the same time we designed the vision and portraits. The purpose of the district values is to serve as the foundation for how we treat each other along the way toward realizing our vision. While the values are composed of just five words, if embraced as a way of behaving, they can have a profound effect on how students learn and grow. Please join us in demonstrating these core values every day.
Core Values
Respect - Knowing, valuing, and treating all with dignity
Trust - Focusing every decision on the best interests of our learners through transparency, honest communication, and integrity
Collaboration - Creating a culture of continuous improvement, working in partnership with students, families, staff, and the community
Equity - Valuing diversity and providing equitable access and resources across the district for all students and adults to reach their full potential
Kindness - Developing a compassionate, nurturing and kind learning and working environment
Festival of the Arts
The 18th annual VUSD Festival of the Arts is on Saturday, October 22nd from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Located on Main Street in the Vista Village Center, the annual event showcases the visual and performing arts from students TK-12. This year will feature 29 performing groups including bands, choirs, dance groups, drama groups, string ensembles, percussion ensembles, and even mariachi. There will be visual art displays from elementary through high school as well as some fun craft booths. Be sure to visit, and help us celebrate the Arts in Vista.
Academic Achievement Opens Doors
The Learning Collaborative (TLC) is committed to supporting teachers by providing professional development opportunities and educational technology training and celebrating staff success in order to support all students. Leading research in education highlights collective teacher efficacy as the highest effect on student achievement. The Learning Collaborative teachers are looking forward to working with teachers and sharing resources with the community this year as we continue to look to the future to provide opportunities for students to open new doors through academic achievement.
Taresa McSpadden has taught elementary for the past 12 years. Her role now includes technology and curriculum support for all elementary teachers and students.
Craig Gastauer is a life science teacher and coordinated the XQ Grant at Vista High. His role includes engaging all stakeholders to co-create a more effective high school learning experience for student learning and wellbeing.
Michelle Daum is an English teacher and English department chair at Mission Vista High School. She teaches English 12 and supports personalized learning at Mission Vista.
Discover CSUSM 2022
We are working closely with our partners at Cal State San Marcos to encourage Vista Unified graduates to enroll. With our guaranteed admission agreement, this is a sure bet for aspiring college graduates. Discover CSUSM 2022 is scheduled for October 15th. This event will be held on campus.
Early Childhood Education Opportunities in Vista
We have had a fantastic start to the school year at Educational Enrichment Systems (EES). All EES classrooms are busy with students engaged in play-based learning activities - meeting new friends, singing new songs, trying new dances, and exploring dual-language-based activities. EES has a few more openings for new students in our classrooms (full day for infant – preschool aged students and after care for TK/K students). Learn more online at: https://www.vistausd.org/our_schools/preschool.
Vista Unified is also excited about a new partnership opportunity with EES to offer after school extended learning programs for TK/K students. If you are in need of after school programming for your TK/K child, please call EES at 760-639-4175 for more information and registration.
Safe Schools Community Commitment - What is the Fentanyl Epidemic?
Vista Unified continues its quest to bring education to the school community on the many topics facing today’s families. One of the most recent concerns has been the availability of recreational drugs to our young people, especially opioids and fentanyl.
At the September 8, 2022 Board Meeting, a Resolution Supporting Drug Use Awareness was unanimously passed by our School Board Trustees. In the resolution, the Trustees took a stand against drugs of all kinds in our schools and supported educational and prevention programs regarding the dangers of misuse and/or abuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs. Please take a few moments, and read the attached letter, written on behalf of the Trustees and Superintendent that explains the risks of drug use, its effects on our children, and our commitment to creating awareness and change.
As a first step in educating our students on the dangers of fentanyl, renowned presenter Rocky Herron, will be visiting schools throughout the district and presenting his captivating message on what drugs can do to negatively impact their lives. Rocky’s powerful message is based on three decades in law enforcement and the damaging impact of illegal drugs on the family and community. We are also excited to announce that Rocky Herron has confirmed two upcoming Parent Forums on October 19th (in English) and November 3rd (in Spanish). More information on these events will be forthcoming.
New COVID-19 Community Levels to Advise on Preventative Measures
On September 17th, the California Department of Public Health rescinded the requirement for unvaccinated employees and volunteers to provide weekly evidence of a negative COVID-19 testing.
In addition, the CDC has now advised that it will shift from a strong recommendation for individuals to mask indoors to the use of a Community Level masking recommendation. Now, anyone can look up the county’s community level and determine how to best protect themselves and their families from COVID-19. There are three levels - low, medium, and high - with recommendations and preventative strategies based on our community risk at any given time. Within our Vista school community, students, staff, and visitors may continue to choose to wear a mask at any time while at one of our school sites.
The San Diego County Office of Education created a COVID-19 snapshot tool around masking, testing, and notification. This is a helpful tool when reviewing the current guidelines based on scenarios, such as exposure to a positive person, or isolation guidelines if someone tests positive.
“Updated Booster” Now Available at the Vista Innovation Center
On August 31st, the Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine booster, also called the “updated booster”, targeted at the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. The Moderna vaccine, Bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older. Both vaccines can be administered two months following the primary or booster vaccination. For those interested in any of the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the Inspire Diagnostic Clinic at the Vista Innovation Center, 836 Olive Avenue. The vaccination clinic is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Athletics
Vista Unified is committed to providing high quality athletic programs and services that create opportunities for our students to connect to school. Our fall season student-athletes have had much success and many great accomplishments this season. The hard work demonstrated in the classroom and on the field by our student-athletes will result in competitive league play and berths in the CIF playoffs.
At Mission Vista High School, both the Girls Golf team and Girls Volleyball team are undefeated and off to a strong start. Boys and Girls Cross Country are headed into league competition, and Field Hockey has had significant success with victories over ranked opponents. At Rancho Buena Vista High School, teams have had a great start to the season, highlighted by a 5-1 start for the Football team. The JV Girls Volleyball team captured the Sweetwater Tournament title for their division with an impressive showing against tough competition. At Vista High School, the Girls and Boys Cross Country team is ranked in the top ten in the county, and the JV Girls Volleyball team also had impressive wins at the Sweetwater Tournament to earn the championship for their division. The effort and dedication of the Boys Water Polo team has them preparing for a big playoff run as they are ranked in the top three in the CIF San Diego Section.
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