Bulldog News

May 21, 2023

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Principal's Message

Hello Families,


As we approach the end of another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have embarked upon together. It has been a year filled with challenges, growth, and countless accomplishments.


First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our exceptional students. Despite the obstacles that came our way, you remained focused on your education, expressed your creativity, and continued to excel in your learning. I continue to be impressed by your care for each other and your desire to change the world. This has been evident recently as our 5th grade students have taken on their exhibition projects. I can't wait to see their work in action this coming Wednesday evening for Open House/Living History Museum and Exhibition.


To the parents and guardians, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your support and partnership. Your involvement in your child's education and Vista Academy has played a huge role in their success. Your dedication has been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment for our students to thrive. We hope all of our parent volunteers felt the love at our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast this past Friday.


We all look forward to the final 12 days of the 22-23 school year.


Please make sure to read below for upcoming dates and events!


Sincerely,

Benjie Walker

Principal

Important Dates


May

22- 26th: Book Fair in Rm. 28

24th: Open House/ 5th grade IB Exhibition/ Living History Museum/ Kindergarten Promotion

29th: Memorial Day, No School


June


1st: Reclassification Ceremony in the PAC

6th: 5th Grade Promotion @ 12:45

7th: Last Day of School, Minimum day 12:54 AM dismissal


Wednesdays: Kona Ice after school

Thursdays: Recyling collection before school

2022-2023 School Year Calendar

Calendario Escolar - Año 2023-2024

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Book Fair will be May 22-26

Students will be visiting the Book Fair next week during their library times. Flyers will be coming home with the students.
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Yearbook Sales are Officially Open

Please visit https://vistaacademyfoundation.membershiptoolkit.com/store/10994 to order our 5th editon of the The Growl yearbook.


Cash sales will be available at student pick-u coming soon during the month of May.

California State Testing

From May 2 - May 26, children in grade 3-5 will be participating in the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, which are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System.


In order to ensure success, please make sure that your student:

  • Eats a good breakfast

  • Attends school on time, everyday

  • Goes to bed early


Why is this test important?

This test was created with teacher input to…

  • Measure how well your child has mastered the skills and content in mathematics and English language arts at his or her grade level

  • Align with the instruction that takes place in the classroom everyday

  • Assess critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem solving skills, which are needed for success in college and a 21st century career.


What should I expect after my student takes the test?

A report will be mailed home that shows how students are doing in each area and where they need help. Depending on the student’s needs, teachers can use this information to provide targeted help to students to address their needs.


But remember, the results from this test aren’t meant to tell the whole story. Your child’s scores are meant to be one of several ways for you and your child’s teacher to see how your student is progressing in school. Test scores, along with student report cards and teacher’s observations of your child’s performance in the classroom, are used together to form a complete picture of your child’s achievement.


Where can I learn more?

I also encourage you to take a look at a practice test for your child’s grade level. The practice tests are posted on the California Department of Education’s Smarter Balanced Practice Tests Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/practicetest.asp. To find out more details about the Smarter Balanced test, visit http://www.testscoreguide.org/ca.

Fifth Grade Exhibition Action Project - Donate Used Clothing

Our 5th grade Exhibition groups are taking action related to homelessness by organizing a used clothing drive through the organization,USagain, which will export the clothing to countries in Central America. Unwearable clothing will be recycled for uses such as insulation.


Students and families will be able to drop off used clothing and shoes in boxes inside the gate for in a few weeks, so start collecting now. Our lost and found is overflowing and will be donated to this organization on June 5th. If your child has lost any items please check out our lost and found in front of the school as soon as possible.

Early Release of Students

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

Elevo After School Program

All communication about acceptance and enrollment comes by email from the company Elevo since they are the contractor for the after school program. For any questions, please email or call vistausd@elevolearning.com, (858) 399-3243. They have sent information regarding acceptance in to the program.


  • After school, teachers will send students who have enrolled to a designated check-in location at the lunch tables where Elevate staff will meet them.
  • Students may be picked up by parents at the Santa Fe gate (next to the second grade classrooms).

Volunteering Update

We are excited to have a new system to welcome our volunteers, the Raptor System. All volunteers are required to bring a license or California ID to scan into our system. As you scan, a badge will be printed for you for the time you are here.

ID Required When Checking Out Students

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.

We Are Hiring- Apply Now

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

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Lost and Found

There are many things left behind such as jackets, lunchboxes and waterbottles. Please make sure your child's items have their name on them. The Lost and Found is located by the library for students to check during the week. We will bring the racks outside the main gate on Fridays for families to check the Lost and Found.

Community Resourse Corner

Technology Assistance with Mr. Alan

Newcomers and Refugees

Low Cost Internet

Health and Safety

Our COVID Protocols

Families, we follow the San Diego County of Education's Decision Tree and guidance from our district. As we learn new updates, we will communicate with families changes that occur that may affect our school.


  1. If you have taken any form of a COVID test, and it is positive, please inform the school immediately. Do not send your child to school.You will share your information with:


You do not need to send the negative results to Vista Academy.


Please reach out to Ms. Sharon with any questions. We are here to help.Thank you for your communication in helping to keep our learning community safe.


For a COVID positive student to return to school on Days 6-10, evidence of a negative test on Day 5 or after does not need to be provided to the school. The student does need to have improving symptoms and be fever-free for 24 hours.


In order to keep our families informed on Covid-19 cases at Vista Academy, we will be utilizing the following procedure to communicate the cases at Vista Academy and within our district.

Vista Academy's Foundation PTO Needs You!

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

Vista Academy Foundation (PTO)


Our outstanding Foundation/PTO is ready to support our students for the 22-23 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

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VAPA Dress Code

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Office Support

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

School Hours for the 2022-2023 School Year

Mondays and Minimum Days: 8:00am-12:54pm

Tuesdays- Fridays 8:00am- 2:21pm


Gates will open at 7:30, breakfast served until 7:50

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Assurance of Nondiscrimination

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.