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The Monthly Newsletter for Alta Vista High School & Major General Murray High School
The Community Continuation Schools in Vista Unified School District
November 2025
November 2025
Volume 3 | Issue 3
Volume 3 | Issue 3
AVHS/MGM October in Review: Learning Beyond the Classroom
AVHS/MGM October in Review: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Welcome to the third edition of our school year newsletter! The month of October was a vibrant showcase of the energy, innovation, and deep community connections that define Alternative Education in Vista Unified. Our campuses were buzzing with activity, both inside and out, embodying the core of the Big Picture Learning model: making education relevant, empowering, and deeply connected to the real world.
Real-World Learning and Student Voice
Real-World Learning and Student Voice
October’s highlights were dominated by hands-on experiences that take learning beyond the textbook. Multiple "Leave to Learn" excursions provided students with invaluable exposure to real-world careers. Students explored everything from the skilled trades at a local auto body shop (with thanks to Sergio Cruz, Russell Gotteman, and David Ayres) to the therapeutic world of equine-assisted therapy at the Reins Therapeutic Riding Center (led by Amanda Streitenberger). Another group visited EES to conduct informational interviews with preschool teachers, and a trip to the Hacienda area allowed students to explore careers and community impact firsthand.
A shining example of student voice meeting professional experience came from Antonio Brimmo's Alta Ink students, who completed their first commissioned job by designing and producing Vista Unified Alternative Education t-shirts. Meanwhile, students from Kirstin DeGeer's class prepared for the Forestry Challenge, applying ecological knowledge to real-world forest management, demonstrating the breadth of our project-based learning.
Creativity was on full display at two key community events: the Vista Art Walk and the Vista Festival of the Arts. For the third consecutive year, students from MGM and Alta, organized by Lydia Trujillo, showcased their talent in photography, sculpture, and modeling projects.
Deepening Community and Partnerships
Deepening Community and Partnerships
We continue to strengthen the vital link between school and home. Coffee with the Principal events at both Alta and AVHS/VVA were successful gatherings where parents connected, shared support strategies, and experienced the heart of our campuses. We're especially thankful to Xochitl Tejeda Robles and Adriana Gamino-Diaz for organizing these fulfilling opportunities for families to collaborate.
Our commitment to authentic partnerships was also recognized as staff and students attended the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) conference in LA, exploring new ways to build bridges between our schools and the communities we serve.
A powerful new initiative, the EL Adventures Program, launched at Thursday night school, with English Learners from MGM and Alta stepping into roles as leaders by debriefing their tutoring work at Grapevine Elementary. This program, championed by Olga Greenlee, Antonio Brimmo, Danielle McKeever, and Rebekka Kinder, is building confidence, language skills, and a strong sense of agency.
The commitment to student support and safety was evident in all areas. We were proud to receive clear SAM inspection reports (School Accountability and Monitoring) for MGM and Alta/VVA, recognizing the great work being done to maintain safe and compliant campuses.
Program Triumphs and Recognition
Program Triumphs and Recognition
October brought well-deserved recognition for our programs and people. Alta Vista High School received a preliminary recommendation to continue its prestigious Model Continuation High School designation, a testament to the innovation, student voice, and genuine care demonstrated by our staff. We are also looking forward to MGM's similar Model School visit on October 30.
We recognized impactful staff who are anchoring our vocational programs, including David Ayres in welding, and Merry Riebau and Melanie Pagayonan in cosmetology, whose work ensures these critical trade programs run smoothly. Finally, we celebrated Daishun Owens as Murray’s Rising Star Senior of the Month, a student who exemplifies the Bulldog spirit and whose leadership is the voice of our morning announcements.
The students at MGM and AVHS are on the move, and every one of their experiences, from nurturing the Community Garden to competing on the co-ed soccer team, brings our students closer to discovering who they are and where they are headed. Happy Holidays!
Principal's Note
Principal's Note
As the season of gratitude arrived, our Community Schools at AVHS and MGM continued to shine with meaningful learning, strong partnerships, and celebrations of student success. Across Alta Vista and Major General Murray, November brought a flurry of events that highlighted what makes our community school model powerful: deep relationships, real-world learning, and a shared commitment to supporting the whole child.
At Alta Vista High School, families gathered for a warm and welcoming Coffee with the Principal hosted by Xochi Tejeda Robles, where new parents connected with returning families and shared their insights on what helps students thrive. At Murray High School, Adriana Gamino-Diaz hosted an equally engaging Coffee with the Principal, creating space for parents to exchange strategies and hear updates on the vibrant programs occurring on campus. These gatherings are the heartbeat of community schools: families and staff working together to uplift students through partnership, communication, and care.
We also saw incredible examples of real-world, purpose-driven learning. Kirstin DeGeer’s students took part in the regional Forestry Challenge, where they joined other high school teams to learn field science, practice data collection techniques, and apply environmental problem solving to real ecological questions. Sergio Cruz’s advisee, Jorge Cruz, from Alta Vista, leveraged his resume, shadow day experience, and culinary skills to earn a job at Dog Haus Biergarten in Downtown Vista: a powerful testament to the Big Picture Learning model in action; he was then selected as a VUSD Rising Star Senior of the month for November! MGM and Alta students continued to build momentum in programs like weldingcosmetology, alongside students sharing their Who Am I reflections in Advisory classes that highlight real growth and newfound confidence. Staff at both sites facilitated L2Ls (Leave to Learns), including visits to auto body shops, early childhood education workplaces, and hands-on programs that help students explore career pathways.
Both Alta Vista and Murray were honored this month with visits from state representatives of the Model Continuation School Program, as well as principals of nearby continuation and charter schools, recognizing not only academic rigor but also the culture of belonging and opportunity our staff cultivate every day. This honor reflects years of dedication, relationship-building, and innovative problem solving on behalf of students and families.
For October, we celebrated one of our standout seniors, Daishun Owens, Murray’s Rising Star of the Month, whose strong communication skills, leadership, and personal growth represent exactly what is possible when students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
As we move further into the holiday season, we extend our deepest gratitude to our students, families, staff, and community partners. It is your collaboration and shared belief in young people that make Alta Vista and Murray true community schools where students discover who they are, what they love, and what they can contribute to the world.
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